The power of dogu:
ceramic figures from ancient Japan
10 September – 22 November
2009 / Room
91 / Admission free
This exhibition highlights the beauty and power of
remarkable ceramic figures known as dogu, mysterious masterpieces
that were produced in great numbers in prehistoric
Japan.
Dogu are from the earliest-dated tradition of pottery
manufacture in the world, dating to the prehistoric Jomon period,
which began 16,000 years ago. Most of the figures in the exhibition
are from about 2500 BC to 1000 BC (the Middle and Late Jomon
periods) and show the development of the sculptural form over
time.
Many of the objects on display are designated Japanese
National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties
and all are on loan from public and private collections in
Japan. Most have never been seen outside Japan before.
The exhibition will also explain the origins, development and
disappearance of dogu, and demonstrate how they shed light on the
archaeology of prehistoric Japan.
Related display in Room 94
Visit Room 94 to view original artwork by Hoshino Yukinobu, a
leading artist of manga (Japanese comic book art). The imaginative
work brings the world of dogu and the Jomon period to life through
the adventures of the fictional Professor Munakata.
A manga display in Room 3
From 5 November 2009 to 3 January 2010, join Professor Munakata
for an adventure around the British Museum’s collection in a new
exclusive manga by Hoshino Yukinobu. The room will be transformed
into a life-sized manga containing a ‘manga coffee shop’ (manga
kissa) where you can handle Japanese manga books.
Masked dogū from Nakappara, Nagano
Prefecture, Japan. 1500-1000 BC.
On loan from the Chino City Board of Education.
Designated 'Important Cultural Property' by the Japanese
Government.