Item ST 40679 Indian Figure - Man With Basket, Lucknow, Clay, circa 1880

Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a man with a basket was made in Lucknow, India. It was exhibited at the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, as part of a group of figures representing various castes, occupations and religious sects in India. This group was awarded a Third Order of Merit and was exhibited as part of the British India Court. It was gifted to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) by the India Commission of the Melbourne International Exhibition, 1880-81.

Physical Description

Figure of a man on a square base made from fired clay, painted white. The man is fired clay modeled over ferrous metal armature, which attaches to the base. The figure is painted with a dark brown skin tone and is wearing pants and a black hat. He also has a large woven basket, which is no longer attached.