Ephemera

Seventeen models of various trades

• Krishnanagar
  Circa 1850
  Tallest 14.5 cms
  Seated 26.5 cms

These sculptures are made of air-dried clay mixed with fine fibres, which might possibly be hair, modelled on a metal armature. Applied textile decoration has been used, and then painted with a water-based organic paint. Various areas, such as the eyes, have been varnished, other areas being matt in order to heighten realism.

The clothes have been woven to fit the scale of the sculpture, so that the patterns on the various textiles are appropriate. Beards and hair are made of real human hair.

The wooden plinths on which some of the sculptures stand have been covered with paper, which has had grit or sand attached to increase the verisimilitude. In other cases the bases have simply been painted white.

It is felt that the quality of this sculpture would indicate that it is the work of the Jadu Nath Pal family. "... The figures made by them 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)