Japanese Haniwa Terracotta Water Carrier Sculpture, Miyazaki, 1940s

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Description

A unique vintage terracotta figure of a Japanese water carrier, inspired by traditional haniwa artifacts from the Kofun period.

Dimensions: … Read more A unique vintage terracotta figure of a Japanese water carrier, inspired by traditional haniwa artifacts from the Kofun period.

Dimensions: Height 46 cm, width 23 cm, depth 16 cm. In good condition, with signs of age visible in the photos.

This sculpture was crafted in the 1950s in Miyazaki, a region renowned for preserving Japanese artisanal traditions and archaeological heritage.

The figure depicts a woman carrying a jug on her head—a classic water-bearing pose—adorned with symbolic details such as a necklace and a geometrically patterned belt. The simple, archetypal forms and expressionless face are characteristic of the haniwa style, originally created as tomb ornaments and spiritual guardians.

A rare and authentic Japanese eye-catcher, perfect for minimalist, wabi-sabi, or modern interiors. See less