Art Institute of Chicago

Head of a Warrior

Japan

Date

6th century Kofun period (mid 3rd–6th century A.D.)

Medium

Earthenware

Culture

Japan

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This head of a warrior from an earthenware tomb figurine (haniwa) is from the late Kofun (literally “old burial mound”) period, which is typified by a complex hierarchical society with advanced burial rituals. Several burial mounds or tumuli for chieftains and emperors still exist today, particularly around the Nara area, and it is from such locations that haniwa figurines have been excavated. In the early Kofun period, haniwa were tubular in form so that they could be easily filled with earth and buried. In the fifth century, haniwa were made in a multitude of representational forms, including male and female figures, animals, and houses. Although there are losses, most notably above the ears and at the back of the head, this sculpture has no repairs or restoration. The calm expression and symmetrical facial features make it one of the most dignified extant haniwa heads. It was once in the collection of the famed potter Hamada Shôji.

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