Model Figure thumbnail 1
Model Figure thumbnail 2
+1
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at Young V&A
Imagine Gallery, Adventure, Case 1

Model Figure

19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This figure is one of many such clay models made in India in the 19th century. They were intended to represent different Indian occupations or caste ‘types’ and aimed to illustrate the ‘peoples of India’. These small clay figurines were produced in various cities in India including Lucknow, Krishnagar, Calcutta and Pune and sold to visiting Europeans. Groups of them were also displayed in many of the international exhibitions of the period.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Model Figure
  • Model Basket
Materials and techniques
Clay, modelled and painted, with fabric and fibre
Brief description
Model of a bread seller wearing a white dhoti and has a red scarf, possibly made in Krishnagar, 19th century.
Physical description
This model is wearing a white dhoti and has a red scarf over his shoulder. His bread and hair are made out of real fibre. He has a very expressive face that has been modelled with the eyes and eyebrows being painted on. His finger and toe nails have also been painted on. This is a very realistic model.
Dimensions
  • Height: 17cm
Credit line
Given by Mailey-Claire Danks-Flowers
Production
According to T.N. Mukherjee, such realistic models were a feature of the model makers at Krishnagar, a town near Calcutta. See T.N. Mukherjee, Art Manufactures of India, pg, 59.
Summary
This figure is one of many such clay models made in India in the 19th century. They were intended to represent different Indian occupations or caste ‘types’ and aimed to illustrate the ‘peoples of India’. These small clay figurines were produced in various cities in India including Lucknow, Krishnagar, Calcutta and Pune and sold to visiting Europeans. Groups of them were also displayed in many of the international exhibitions of the period.
Collection
Accession number
IS.61:1, 2-2006

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 1, 2006
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest