Indian Figure - Bull Carrying a Load, Krishnanagar, Clay, circa 1880

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Summary:: Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a Bull carrying a load was made 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 gifted to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) by the India Commission of the Melbourne International Exhibition at the close of the Exhibition in 1881.
Description:: Figure of a bull, with load, on a rectangular base of painted fired clay. The bull is fired clay modelled over ferrous metal armature. The bull has a saddle of woven textile with pink patches. The saddle is held on with two straps that go under his belly. The bull is also carrying two panniers of seed and has strings around his horns. The bull is painted white with grey horns, hooves and nose and a varnish coating. It is also decorated with various symbols.
Acquisition Information:: Donation (Probable) from Exhibition: 1880 International, Melbourne, 1880

Discipline:	Technology
Dimensions:	17 cm (Height), 16 cm (Width), 22 cm (Length)

Tagged with:	exhibitions melbourne intercolonial australasian 1866-1867, exhibitions melbourne international 1880-1881
Themes this item is part of:	Clay Modelling in India, Royal Exhibition Building Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection
Primary Classification:	PUBLIC EVENTS
Tertiary Classification:	exhibition heritage
Place & Date Made:	India, circa 1880 NGV Stock book for date range