Drawing, Bengali woman, by F.W.A. De Fabeck, watercolour and pencil on paper, Bengal, ca. 1860-1890

Drawing, watercolour and pencil on paper, life study of a Bengali women carrying a lota, or jar, of water, wearing a green skirt and pink sari, along with a red and blue choli.

A Bengali women carrying a lota, or jar, of water, wearing a green skirt and pink sari, along with a red and blue choli.

Given by Mrs Laura de Fabeck

Nos. IM 19 to 143-1913 are a collection of paintings and drawings given by Mrs L. de Fabeck, Villa Bellosgaurds Alassio, Liguria, Italy. (per Mrs Fleeming Jenkin, 12 Campden Hill Square, Kensington, W.).

Given by Mrs Laura de Fabeck. This acquisition information reflects that found in the Museum records (Asia Department registers and/or Central Inventory) as part of a 2023 provenance research project.

RP 1913-681 M

The lota, a traditional Indian water jug, is used as a general term for water containers but there are also regional names for different types of pots. The basic design of the lota was adapted to perform many related functions: holding, carrying, and pouring water. The form, decoration, size and material reflect the function of the pot, the geographical area in which it was produced and the status of the people for whom it was made. The shape itself is derived from natural forms such as the gourd and the melon. Different types of pots are used to carry water from the well for everyday use, to store water, to drink water from and for daily ablutions. They are also used as containers for sacred water or water that is to be used for ritual purposes.

IM.42-1913