Art Institute of Chicago

Partial Figure of a Pregnant Women

Japan

Date

1000–300 BC

Medium

Earthenware

Culture

Japan

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This figurine (dogû) is clearly a female form, and judging from the swollen belly, it may be a representation of a pregnant woman. It is possible, therefore, that it was used in rituals to secure safe childbirth or as a prayer for rebirth. The piece is missing the head, one arm, and one leg, but this is not unusual for figurines of this period that were likely broken ritually. Many Jômon figurines contain significant linear or geometric surface patterning, though a small number, including this work, are more sculptural. Figurines of this kind tend to concentrate on the carefully modeled volume of the figure rather than on the lines on its surface.

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