Lightboxes
Cart
alb3654484

Dogu (Clay Figurine)

Dogu (Clay Figurine). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); W. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm). Clay figurines (dogu) of humans and animals were made throughout the Jomon period, particularly during the latter half, and establish the beginnings of Japan's sculptural tradition. The largest percentage of these figures, including this statuette from northern Honshu, comprises highly stylized females with enlarged breasts, hips, and stomachs presumed to have been fertility symbols. Because some of these figurines appear to have been broken intentionally, it has been hypothesized that they were used in rituals meant to cure physical ailments. It seems that once the affliction was ceremonially transferred to the figure, the clay image was discarded. This speculation would explain why most dogu are found scattered around or in refuse heaps rather than in graves.
Share
pinterestPinterest
twitterTwitter
facebookFacebook
emailEmail

Add to another lightbox

Add to another lightbox
add to lightbox print share
Do you already have an account? Sign in
You do not have an account? Register
Buy this image
Loading...
Title:
Dogu (Clay Figurine)
Caption:
Dogu (Clay Figurine). Culture: Japan. Dimensions: H. 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm); W. 1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm). Clay figurines (dogu) of humans and animals were made throughout the Jomon period, particularly during the latter half, and establish the beginnings of Japan's sculptural tradition. The largest percentage of these figures, including this statuette from northern Honshu, comprises highly stylized females with enlarged breasts, hips, and stomachs presumed to have been fertility symbols. Because some of these figurines appear to have been broken intentionally, it has been hypothesized that they were used in rituals meant to cure physical ailments. It seems that once the affliction was ceremonially transferred to the figure, the clay image was discarded. This speculation would explain why most dogu are found scattered around or in refuse heaps rather than in graves.
Technique/material:
EARTHENWARE
Period:
Final Jomon period (ca. 1000-300 B. C. )
Museum:
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Credit:
Album / Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY
Releases:
Model: No - Property: No
Rights questions?
Image size:
3276 x 4094 px | 38.4 MB
Print size:
27.7 x 34.7 cm | 10.9 x 13.6 in (300 dpi)
Keywords: