Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay model of a Palanquin 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. The NGV Stock book identifies the model as a 'Palanquin'.

Physical Description

A Palanquin with a man seated inside. The palanquin and man are made from fired clay modelled over ferrous metal armature. A paper label is glued to the top of the Palanquin. The Palanquin has carrying poles attached and decorative metalwork on the underneath and at the ends. It is painted black with two vases of flowers in red, yellow and green on each side of the palanquin, there is also a folded back red and green curtain on each side. The figure is seated cross legged, has a fair skin tone, blond hair and is dressed in white tunic and turban, and black pants and is holding a red object in his hands.

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