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Jadu Nath Pal    


A Group of Eight Terracotta Figures of Bengali Servants

Polychrome terracotta, textiles and metal

Krishnanagar, 19th century

Height: 11.5 in (tallest)
28.75 cm (tallest)

(Set of eight)


These eight figures are a naturalistic representation of Bengali workers working for the British living in India. They depict different kinds of occupations, castes and religions with the purpose of classifying Indian people. The clothes were especially made for the figures and also their patterns are very appropriate to the status of the character represented. Often real human hair was used to make the figures' beards and hair.

These Bengali figures were either acquired as souvenirs by colonials or by museums for didactic purposes.

"... The figures made by them [Jadu Nath Pal family] have acquired great celebrity, and they have repeatedly gained medals and certificates in most of the International Exhibitions held since 1851. There is considerable delicacy and fineness in their work; the figures are instinct with life and expression, and their pose and action are excellent." (T.N. Mukharji, Art Manufactures of India, 1888)




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  Lot 19 of 22  

INDIAN MINIATURE PAINTINGS AND WORKS OF ART
24-25 APRIL 2013
Estimate
$8,000 - 10,000
 Rs 4,16,000 - 5,20,000

Winning Bid
$8,400
Rs 4,36,800
(Inclusive of Buyer's Premium)

USD payment only USD payment only. Why?





EXHIBITED:
National Portrait Gallery, London, 2003-2004
PUBLISHED:
Below Stairs: 400 Years of Servant's Portraits, G. Waterfield and A. French, National Portrait Gallery, 2003



 



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