Anil Relia, a 69-year-old art collector, stumbled upon a delicate porcelain Krishna at an antique dealer's shop in Surat in the early 1990s. The deity had pink cheeks, a European-looking crown, and an unfamiliar posture, standing with the wrong foot forward.
Relia's curiosity led him to an overlooked chapter in the history of Indian art: porcelain figurines of Hindu gods and goddesses manufactured in Europe and Japan during the colonial period, using Indian lithographs as models.
Key Takeaways
- The exhibition Porcelain: The Lithographic Mold showcases 124 porcelain objects and 36 lithographs
- The porcelain figurines were manufactured in Europe and Japan during the colonial period using Indian lithographs as models
- The exhibition highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the significance of these objects in Indian art history
Who made these porcelain figurines?
The story begins with the spread of lithography in India during the late 19th century. Printing presses in Calcutta and western India helped circulate colourful images of Hindu deities and mythological figures. Painter Raja Ravi Varma's prints further expanded the reach of this visual culture.
European traders saw the commercial potential of these prints and supplied images to manufacturers in Germany, Austria, and Japan, where artisans converted them into porcelain figurines. The finished objects were then exported to India, offering an affordable alternative to devotional sculptures made from bronze, wood, or ivory.
What the exhibition reveals
The exhibition, Porcelain: The Lithographic Mold, at Ahmedabad's Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum, brings together 124 porcelain objects and around 36 lithographs, allowing visitors to compare the two-dimensional printed images with their three-dimensional counterparts.
The figurines on exhibit reveal the differences between European manufacturing techniques and the versions subsequently produced in India. The European figurines were typically painted and then fired, while Indian manufacturers applied colours over already-fired porcelain.
By the numbers
- 124 porcelain objects on exhibit
- 36 lithographs on display
- 200 porcelain figurines in Relia's collection
- 1,000 lithographs collected by Relia over 30-40 years
The significance of the exhibition
For Relia, the exhibition is an opportunity to reconsider objects that have occupied an uncertain place in Indian art history. Fragile and often poorly documented, these figurines have frequently been overlooked or discarded.
Relia argues that categories such as high art and low art can obscure the cultural significance of objects made for popular consumption. The figurines, he adds, are imperfect records of a fascinating exchange: Indian images interpreted by artisans working thousands of kilometres away, shaped by the demands of commerce.
What the future holds
The exhibition, which runs until November 1, provides a unique chance for visitors to appreciate the beauty and cultural significance of these porcelain figurines. As Relia notes, the exhibition is not just about the objects themselves but about the stories they tell and the journeys they have made.
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Preserving cultural heritage
The exhibition highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage, not just in terms of the objects themselves, but also the stories and histories they represent. Relia's collection and the exhibition at the Lalbhai Dalpatbhai Museum serve as a reminder of the need to document and protect these fragile and often overlooked objects.
Indian art in the global context
The story of Indian gods in European porcelain also highlights the global nature of art and cultural exchange. The exhibition demonstrates how Indian art and culture have been influenced by and have influenced other cultures around the world, and how these exchanges have shaped the course of art history.
Impact on Indian art and culture
The exhibition has significant implications for Indian art and culture, as it sheds light on a previously overlooked aspect of Indian art history. The porcelain figurines serve as a testament to the complex and multifaceted nature of Indian art, which has been shaped by various cultural and historical factors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the exhibition Porcelain: The Lithographic Mold offers a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating story of Indian gods in European porcelain. Through the exhibition, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of these objects and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the porcelain figurines in Indian art history?
The porcelain figurines are significant because they represent a previously overlooked aspect of Indian art history and demonstrate the complex and multifaceted nature of Indian art.
Where were the porcelain figurines manufactured?
The porcelain figurines were manufactured in Europe and Japan during the colonial period using Indian lithographs as models.
What is the importance of preserving cultural heritage?
Preserving cultural heritage is important because it allows us to understand and appreciate the cultural significance of objects and the stories they tell.
