Catalog: Antiques: Regional Art: Asian: Japanese: Sculpture (100)

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu Head, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased in Japan in 1962 by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. 3 x 2.25 inches, 7.5 x 5.75 cm. Very Good Condition.

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased at a Parke Bernet auction by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. 4.75 inches, 12 cm tall. Very Good Condition.

Fine example of a Jomon Period (13,000-300BC) Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased at a Parke Bernet auction by a renowned author on and collector of Asian art. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional gray alien. 4.75 inches, 12 cm tall. Very Good Condition.

Fine early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. Many Dogu exhibitions have appeared recently: Tokyo National Museum, British Museum of Art, Miki Gallery New York. This one was on exhibit at the Arts of Pacific Asia Show NYC 2010, a vetted venue. 6 inches, 15.5 cm.

Very fine and extremely rare Japanese Haniwa sculpture of a farmer with a charming expression, pointed hat, large hoop ear jewelry below a butterfly hairstyle, arms held to the front, 3rd Century AD (Kofun Period) created for a rice farmer to represent wealth. Rice farmers were among the most prosperous of Japanese society in the Kofun period. Provenance: Property formerly owned by the Honolulu Academy of Art. Collection Number is on the bottom of the piece. A similar example, a National Treasure, belongs to the Tokyo National Museum and was published in Haniwa by Fumio Miki, published by Weatherhill (seen in the second photo here). 15.25 inches (38.75cm). Well preserved on a presentation display pedestal.

An exceedingly rare ancient Japanese Heian (794-1185) or Nara Period (710-794) Engraved Bronze Tortoise. The entire shell, front and back, has engraved artistic images of the people and symbols of the era. The tortoise is a symbol of wisdom, and is able to defend itself on its own. It personifies Water, Moon, Mother Earth, Time, Immortality, and Fertility. Creation is associated with the tortoise and it is also believed that the tortoise bears the burden of the whole world. This was quite possibly a gift of protection to the imperial household. We are proud to offer such a fine and beautiful rarity. 4.5h x 9w x 6.5d, 11.5h x 23w x 16.5d cm.

Fine example of a Jomon Period Dogu, the earliest known Japanese figure. This figure was purchased in Japan and belonged to the renowned Japanese art historian, Shirley Day. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. The figures resemble 'space suits' complete with rivets and a helmet/face mask and goggles. The large eyes are also reminiscent of the traditional grey alien. 5.5 inches, 14 cm tall.

Fine and rare early example of a Jomon Period Dogu Clay Figure, the earliest known Japanese figures. The Dogu acted as effigies of people. They manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogu, and then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Because of the ritual destruction of Dogu, they are quite rare. This primitive abstract fertility figure has a futuristic look. There are fun theories that state that the Dogu may be linked to extra-terrestrial Ancient Astronauts. 2.5h x 2.5w inches, 6.5h x 6.5w cm.

Rare Japanese Female Haniwa Sculpture, Kofun Period, 4th century AD. This female clay figure was set in the ground at the site of a burial mound for the wealthy and Imperial class. She is a fine and graceful piece exhibiting great feminine charm. Mounted on a wood platform. This clay female figure would have stood with others in a protective circle around the tomb-mound of a powerful ruler. Her hair is swept up into an elaborate coiffure, and she wears a fashionable dress of the Kofun Period. The figure possibly may have been found near the village of Motomachi, close to the port of Konjō in Musashi Province, in present day Tokyo. Pieces like this are usually found in private collections or museums, and rarely come up for sale. Height of the figure: 7.25 inches, 18.5 cm; Height including base: 8.25 inches, 18.5 cm.

Extremely rare 3rd to 7th Century Kofun Period Haniwa clay sculpture of a Horse, completed with the most fabulous trappings, a fine saddle, etc. Presented on a lacquered stand. The horse is a very important figure in the Samurai society. This figure possibly may have been found near the village of Motomachi, close to the port of Konjō in Musashi Province, in present day Tokyo. Pieces like this are usually found in private collections or museums, and rarely come up for sale. Well preserved. 8.5h x 8w inches, 21.5 x 20 cm.