Tomb Sculpture ("Haniwa"): Boar

Unknown artist

Kofun period, 6th century

Earthenware

Tokyo National Museum

A terracotta Haniwa sculpture of a boar stands against a plain background. The sculpture is a stylized representation with simple, elongated forms. Haniwa are unglazed terracotta clay ornaments that adorned the tumuli of powerful figures or kings. The almond-shaped eyes, deep-slit mouth, and distinctive nose reveal this to be a boar haniwa. The ridge ranging from the top of the head to the back of the neck represents the mane. The plump neck connects to a stout back tipped with a stubby tail. The design may seem quite simple, but it fully portrays the characteristics of a boar while splendidly conveying a sense of heft. However, a glance at the rear side reveals one unusual feature. Though real boars have cloven hooves located on the front of the legs, the hooves here are repre