The Power of Dogu – Exhibition Preview

Ancient Japanese Ceramic Figurines Will be Shown at British Museum

Jul 25, 2009

The British Museum's forthcoming show of clay figures, known as Dogu, will explore the art, archaeology, culture and traditions of the Jomon period of Japanese history.

A forthcoming exhibition at the British Museum, entitled The Power of Dogu, will feature clay figures from prehistoric Japan, known as Dogu. The items date from the Jomon period, approximately 13,000-300 BC. The show has been coordinated by the Tokyo National Museum and the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Dogu are ceramic figures with animal or human features. They were produced using high quality pottery in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with curious decoration and intricate geometric designs. A number of techniques were employed including modelling, clay appliqué, decoration with twisted plant fibres (jomon means ‘cord-marked’) and burnishing. Many were painted, usually with red pigments, or covered with lacquer.

Some have definite female features while many others are not gender-specific. Some figures wear facial masks, while others have heart-shaped faces or triangular heads. Some dogu appear to be praying while many females squat as if in childbirth.

The Power of Dogu

The show will investigate the evolution of an ancient art form looking at the origins, development and eventual disappearance of dogu and how they provide an insight into the archaeology of prehistoric Japan.

Most of the items on display date from approximately 2,500 to 1,000 BC (the Middle and Late Jomon periods). The clay forms have been discovered at many sites, with more than 1,000 coming from two major cites; Shakado in Yamanashi prefecture and Sannai Maruyama in Aomori prefecture. A total of 18,000 figurines have been discovered so far, most of which are in pieces

National Treasures on Display

The exhibition will feature 67 items, some of which have been designated National Treasures of Japan by the Japanese government. The display will include the so-called Venus from Tanabatake, Nagano prefecture, and Dogu with palms pressed together from Aomori prefecture.

A further 25 objects are ranked as Important Cultural Properties and Important Art Objects. The collections have been loaned by a number of public and private Japanese collections and this is the first time that so many dogu have been displayed together. The majority of these items have never been shown outside Japan until now.

The Purpose of Dogu

The purpose of Dogu is unclear. They may have represented spirits and were sometimes buried with the dead to guide them to the next world, or perhaps they procured a safe childbirth or a fruitful hunt. The exhibition will explore the possible purposes of the ceramic figures.

The Power of Dogu will be on view from 10th September – 22nd November 2009 and further information can be obtained from the British Museum.

The copyright of the article The Power of Dogu – Exhibition Preview in Special Art Gallery Exhibits is owned by Frances Spiegel. Permission to republish The Power of Dogu – Exhibition Preview in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Nov 9, 2009 2:23 AM

Guest :

Don't miss this fascinating show. I have been more thrilled and intrigued by these exquisitely conceived and crafted little prehistoric figures than any other art form I've seen this year. They all repay scrutiny, but the best are entirely compelling and I have fallen under their spell. Had they been around in his day – they have only acquired their true significance for the Japanese comparatively recently – Picasso would have loved them. They should be better known in the west and I'm very glad indeed I have been given the opportunity to experience their magic at The British Museum.