COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
MIA_.81.117
AMICA Library Year:
2003
Object Type:
Sculpture
Creator Nationality:
Japan
Creator Name-CRT:
Japan
Title:
Head of a Courtier
View:
Front
Creation Date:
6th century
Creation Start Date:
500
Creation End Date:
600
Materials and Techniques:
Earthenware
Classification Term:
Sculpture
Dimensions:
H.9-1/4 x W.6-1/4 in
AMICA Contributor:
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Owner Location:
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
ID Number:
81.117
Credit Line:
Gift of Mr. Walter Reider
Context:
Clay figures known as haniwa, literally clay cylinders, were placed atop burial mounds during Japan's Kofun period (roughly 300 to 650). In spite of early artists' naïve approach, these ancient sculptures are often hauntingly expressive. Even in its present fragmentary state, the baleful eyes and small mouth of this head appear sadly pensive. Simply rendered details also offer a window onto Kofun culture; the "bowler" hat and round earrings (imitating excavated gold examples) indicate that the figure represents an aristocrat.
Related Image Identifier Link:
MIA_.17851c.tif
