Indian Figure - Deity, Lucknow, Clay, circa 1880

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Summary:: Alternative Names: Poonah Figure, Poona Figure

This clay figure of a Deity 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 a 'Coloured Model in form of an Elephant and rider'.
Description:: Figure of a diety sitting on a mythical elephant whose body is composed of other animals. The figure is on an oval base and both figure and base are fired clay with a painted green, white and gold surface, modelled over ferrous metal armature. A paper label is glued to the upper surface of the base.
Acquisition Information:: Donation (Probable) from Exhibition: 1880 International, Melbourne, 1880

Discipline:	Technology
Dimensions:	15.50 cm (Height), 10.00 cm (Width), 14.00 cm (Length)

Tagged with:	exhibitions melbourne international 1880-1881
Themes this item is part of:	Clay Modelling in India, Lucknow Clay Modelling, Royal Exhibition Building Collection, Public Life & Institutions Collection
Primary Classification:	PUBLIC EVENTS
Secondary Classification:	Melbourne International Exhibition 1880
Tertiary Classification:	exhibition heritage
Inscriptions:	Printed in black ink on paper label: 162
Place & Date Made:	Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, circa 1880 NGV Stock book gives date range.