Tall Antique Indian Wooden Statue of a Starving Woman C.1880
This is a superb antique Indian wood figure of a woman washing her long, dark hair.
13.5” (33cms) in height, this good-sized piece retains some of it’s original black and red paint. It is likely from the Rajasthan province of Northern India, an area known for its painted wooden figures and statues. The base is scalloped and was possibly originally painted yellow, and is still perfectly level to enable the figure to stand upright.
Nicely patinated and with slight losses to the (dessicated and very light) wood, it is finely detailed; I must say, the woman does look half-starved and mildly grotesque as a result – but then, India from around 1870-1900 was subject to near-continual famines somewhere in it’s vast land area, and seeing this sort of emaciated figure was probably a part of everyday life for much of the population. See here for further info on the historical background to this statue:
Delivery
Will be sent insured & signed for – UK delivery £5, EU £9, US & Canada £14, Australia & NZ £16 – rest of world, please ask for price.
About me
I have collected Murano glass, antiquities, and modern ceramics for many years, & recently started selling on Ebay; I buy & sell pieces I personally like. I prefer perfect pieces with labels, appealing colours, & unusual features (rarity, style, or just plain bizarre). I try to describe everything I sell as honestly as possible, including any damage, issues, or attributions to a maker, in my descriptions. If you have any questions, a problem with a piece you’ve bought, or even further info on a piece I’m selling (always welcome!) please mail me. Please don’t ever leave negative feedback without speaking to me – we can always come to a solution.
