Item ST 39848 Indian Figure - Cloth Dealer, Pune, Clay, circa 1867

Summary

Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a cloth dealer 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 dressed in fabric. His garments consist of a black turban, white coat and trousers, and a pink sash. He is also carrying several strips of fabric - purple, brown, blue, red and green - across both his shoulders.