COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
MMA_.1975.268.414
AMICA Library Year:
2002
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Description:
Formally attired in a breastplate and studded metal helmet, this haniwa (circle of clay) bust of a warrior vividly attests to the world of early Japan. Boldly potted from fragile earthenware, his broad face, triangular nose, and the oval perforations for his eyes and mouth evoke an impassive resolve. The earliest haniwa, dating to the late third century A.D., were simple clay cylinders. Houses and animals as well as ceremonial and other objects appeared in the late fourth century, while figural haniwa were created in the fifth, sixth, and seventh centuries. The traces of red paint found on this figure indicate that it was made in the Kanto region (around Tokyo). Haniwa were placed at the top of the burial mound, in the center, along the edges, and at the entrance of the burial chamber of enormous tombs constructed for the ruling elite during the Tumulus, or Kofun (ca. 200â??600), period. These tombs were generally covered with large mounds of earth and were often shaped like keyholes and surrounded by moats. Keyhole-shaped tombs spread throughout Japan from the Kansai (Osaka-Nara-Kyoto) region. Their diffusion is often understood to reflect a parallel spread of political power as Japan, which had been divided into a series of loosely related domains, was gradually organized into a unified state with a central government. The arrival of immigrants from Korea, and possibly others parts of mainland East Asia, provided one impetus for changes in political organization and related burial practices.
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Far East Asian; Japanese
Creator Dates/Places:
Japan
Creator Name-CRT:
Kanto Region
Title:
Bust of a warrior
View:
Principal view
Creation Date:
Kofun period (ca. 3rd câ??538), 5thâ??6th century
Creation Start Date:
400
Creation End Date:
599
Materials and Techniques:
Earthenware with painted, incised, and applied decoration
Dimensions:
H. 13 1/8 in. (33.3 cm), W. 10 7/8 in. (27.6 cm)
AMICA Contributor:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Owner Location:
New York, New York
ID Number:
1975.268.414
Credit Line:
The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
Copyright:
Copyright ?? 2002 The Metropolitan Museum of Art . All rights reserved.
Related Image Identifier Link:
MMA_.h1_1975.268.414.tif
