Haniwa Horse

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Public Domain

Haniwa Horse
Image non disponible pour Haniwa Horse
CultureJapanese
Titles
  • Haniwa Horse
Date
PlaceJapan
MediumRed earthenware
DimensionsHeight: 14 7/8 in. (37.8 cm)
Credit LineGift of Carol and Robert Straus
Object number73.76
Non exposé

Explore Further

Department
Asian Art
Object Type
Description

In early Japanese society, this sculpture of a horse would have been placed with other haniwa statuettes around a burial mound to serve the deceased in the afterlife. Terra-cotta haniwa figures also depicted male and female warriors and civilians. The bridled horse's head evokes the importance of military strength.


The surface of the horse's head and mane is painted red. This color was meant to protect the figure from harm. The horse has hollow eyes and is simply constructed because haniwa figures needed to be completed quickly and were usually manufactured in bulk. Sculptures of animals such as chickens and horses made of unglazed terra cotta frequently appeared in burial rites in Japan during the Kofun period (AD 300–645).


ProvenanceResearch Ongoing

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

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