Indian Ceramic Majmu Toy

Painted standing figure with folded arms and a red headcloth worn at an angle.

This painted pottery toy known as a majmu is from India, and dates to the 20th century. Terra cotta suits toy making because it is cheap, easy to model and quick to fire, so potters could produce small figures and animals in quantity. Standing figure on a round base, arms crossed over the chest and one hand holding a small object. A red headband, a patterned waist cloth with gilt trim and a bare torso. The paint is chipped and worn throughout. It is 4.25 inches wide, 4.75 deep and 13 high.

Weathered paint, steady stance, and not a flicker of doubt.