Item ST 39962 Indian Figure - Cloth Dealer's 'Coolie', Pune, Clay, circa 1867

Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a cloth dealer's coolie was made in Pune in India in the latter half of the nineteenth century. It was exhibited as part of a group of figures representing various castes, occupations and religious sects. Such figures were exhibited at International Exhibitions and often won awards. This figure was accessioned by the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) in 1867 as a purchase from Stubb and Co.

Physical Description

Figure of a man on a wooden base. The base is painted black turned wood. The figure is plaster/composition modeled over wooden dowels, it is painted with a terracotta skin tone and is dressed in fabric. His garments consist of a pink turban, a pink and white top, a white sash, and blue and white stripped trousers. He is carrying two bundles on his back: a large white cotton one and a smaller red cotton one, and his holding a pile of white cloth in his left hand.