Collection

Female Figurine, c. 1000–200 B.C.

Japanese


Jomon clay figurines, called dogu (earthen idols), began to appear around 1500 B.C. Representing humans, usually female, and animals, they have in common with the pottery vessels the characteristic cord-marked decoration on their bodies and faces, and may have been used as protective charms or fertility symbols. Most were found deposited in pit dwellings, burial sites, or ritual shrines. The figurines exhibit a variety of abstract, humanoid shapes that are highly imaginative. This figurine has a hollow, thin-walled body supported by short tubular legs and wide hips. The areas of smooth clay and contrasting bands of incised and cord- marked patterns on the face, hips, and chest, as well as the “goggle-eyes,” are identifying features of the so-called Kamegaoka type of dogu figurine.

Provenance

Provenance

Okura Collection, Tokyo;

(Kochukyo Co., Ltd., Tokyo);

(N. V. Hammer, Inc., New York);

purchased by Kimbell Art Foundation, Fort Worth, 1971.