Haniwa Figure of Waterfowl

Kofun Period (AD 593-710)
Earthenware
Japan
H: 48cm x D: 35cm

Haniwa were clay figures that were utilised as burial objects in early Japan. The lower section of this haniwa is in the form of a barrel shaped cylinder incised with a simple vertical line design. This is surmounted by a sculpture of a waterfowl, thought to signify the transportation of one?s soul across the river of the heavens. The eyes of this waterfowl have been indicated by perforation lending the object a mysterious charm, while the beak, wings and tail are indicated by small, attached clay tablets. The entire piece is in a soft terracotta hue.