The Indian pavillion built by John Osborne (d. 1835) at Melchet Park, Hampshire was amongst the most exotic examples of 'Asiatic' architecture that embellished English landscaped parks in the late 18th Century. The large pillared porch to the rectangular pavillion, with its 'Hindu Temple' dome, was surmounted by this recumbent Brahmini bull and its companion. Osborne who had worked with the East India Company had the building designed by the artist Thomas Daniell (1749-1840). The latter, who had been in India from 1786-93 preparing drawings for publication on its landscape and antiquities, later assisted Humphrey Repton in providing 'accurate' designs for the Indian enrichments of George, Prince Regent's Marine Pavillion at Brighton. A bust of his friend Warren Hastings (d. 1818), Govenor General of Bengal, recording his virtues and his contribution to the British Empire, was placed inside the Temple in 1800. J. F. C. Rossi, R. A. (d.1839) worked as a sculptor for Coade's manufactory during the late 18th and early 19th century.

We are grateful to Alison Kelly for her assistance with this entry.