Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of an elephant and rider 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 figure as 'Elephant & Rider'.

Physical Description

Figure of an elephant, with a load and rider on its back, on a base of fired painted clay. There are two small paper labels glued to both sides of the elephant. The elephant is fired clay, painted grey with decorative markings on its face and trunk. It is modelled over ferrous metal armature. The burden on the elephant's back consists of poles and rolled up textile, the poles have been broken and the metal armatures are bent.

More Information