Of low-fired reddish clay, modeled as a warrior wearing an armor and helmet and a sword slung from his waist
25⁵⁄₈ in. (65 cm.) high

The results of the report on Thermoluminescence Analysis no. N119b50 obtained by the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, Oxford University, are consistent with the dating of this lot

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie's Inc

Brought to you by

Lot Essay

Haniwa, "clay ring," take their name from the unglazed clay cylinders placed on the large tomb mounds of the Japanese elite beginning in the fourth century. The tubular bases were sunk into the ground for stability. In the succeeding centuries, potters of the cylinders expanded into sculptures of humans, animals and household objects. The haniwa were fashioned by the coil and slab technique, smoothed with a bamboo comb and finished with a bamboo knife or spatula, then dried or fired at a low temperature, which resulted in their warm buff or reddish color.