Haniwa are unglazed terracotta clay figures that were placed on and around Japanese tombs.
The word “haniwa” is a combination of two Japanese words: “hani” (meaning “circle”) and “wa” (meaning “ring” or “circle”). When first created, haniwa were made in various cylindrical shapes.
Later they became more elaborate, featuring sculptures of warriors, shamanic women, attendants, animals (especially horses), buildings, boats, and other objects.
Haniwa were made by shaping clay coils into the desired form. Some were left in their natural clay state, while others were painted and decorated with colors like red dye. They ranged in height from 1 to 5 feet, with the average being around 3 feet tall.
The more intricate haniwa were human figures, such as female shamans with headdresses, male warriors in armor, horse riders, women carrying babies or water vessels, farmers, musicians, and falconers. They also included animals like birds, dogs, deer, monkeys, rabbits, and sheep.
Haniwa were produced from the 3rd to 6th centuries in Japan, predating the development of written language by about 200 years. Their exact purpose is not known, but it is believed they served as markers, guardians, and offerings in funerary rituals for the elite members of society.
How did this come up?
Scott McClellan, head ceramics instructor at the Seattle Artist League, suggested we make Haniwa sculptures in a fun pottery class shortie. He learned about haniwa in an art history class years ago, and thought it would be interesting for artists to respond to the ideas by creating our own contemporary versions. Making haniwa could be a way for us to contemplate how we wanted to be portrayed. What animal would we choose to represent us? Would we want a boat to take us away to another land, or a little cozy house to haunt in the afterlife? Maybe we’d want to be like one of Miyazaki’s characters. Miyazaki does credit haniwa for the inspiration of many of his most famous anime. Personally, I imagine I’d like to have a haniwa that was a spirit companion or guardian for me. I could use a buddy sometimes.
If you were going to create a contemporary haniwa, your own personal Totoro type of helpful spirit, what would you make for yourself?
Read Claes Oldenburg’s Manifesto below. At the top of your paper write “I am for…” Choose something within his list, and draw/paint/collage/photograph it. Having trouble choosing something? Close your eyes, loudly say “I am for the art!” and point. Take a picture of your drawing and post it to our Facebook page. Tag: #salchallenge The January Creative Challenge: 15 …
[image_with_animation image_url=”10288″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”] We’ve made it to the end of our 30 Day Creative Challenge! There have been a lot of inspiring artworks posted on Facebook and Instagram. I’ve enjoyed making these, and seeing what is posted. For our last project, choose a SAL Challenge post someone else made, and make an …
Previously I posted four masterwork studies drawn by Fran O’Neill and I challenged you to identify them. I don’t have a good memory for names, but I did recognize the works in a general way, and I was impressed when you named all but one. I admit I didn’t recognize the landscape but the scene …
There are drips on some drawings, and the drips are round, not running vertically down the paper, which suggests the paper is flat. Some of the drips start right before a line and follow the same direction, which suggests the artist loaded his brush with ink, and the brush dripped down on a horizontal surface …
Funerary Art pt 1: Haniwa
Haniwa are unglazed terracotta clay figures that were placed on and around Japanese tombs.
The word “haniwa” is a combination of two Japanese words: “hani” (meaning “circle”) and “wa” (meaning “ring” or “circle”). When first created, haniwa were made in various cylindrical shapes.
Later they became more elaborate, featuring sculptures of warriors, shamanic women, attendants, animals (especially horses), buildings, boats, and other objects.
Haniwa were made by shaping clay coils into the desired form. Some were left in their natural clay state, while others were painted and decorated with colors like red dye. They ranged in height from 1 to 5 feet, with the average being around 3 feet tall.
The more intricate haniwa were human figures, such as female shamans with headdresses, male warriors in armor, horse riders, women carrying babies or water vessels, farmers, musicians, and falconers. They also included animals like birds, dogs, deer, monkeys, rabbits, and sheep.
Haniwa were produced from the 3rd to 6th centuries in Japan, predating the development of written language by about 200 years. Their exact purpose is not known, but it is believed they served as markers, guardians, and offerings in funerary rituals for the elite members of society.
How did this come up?
Scott McClellan, head ceramics instructor at the Seattle Artist League, suggested we make Haniwa sculptures in a fun pottery class shortie. He learned about haniwa in an art history class years ago, and thought it would be interesting for artists to respond to the ideas by creating our own contemporary versions. Making haniwa could be a way for us to contemplate how we wanted to be portrayed. What animal would we choose to represent us? Would we want a boat to take us away to another land, or a little cozy house to haunt in the afterlife? Maybe we’d want to be like one of Miyazaki’s characters. Miyazaki does credit haniwa for the inspiration of many of his most famous anime. Personally, I imagine I’d like to have a haniwa that was a spirit companion or guardian for me. I could use a buddy sometimes.
If you were going to create a contemporary haniwa, your own personal Totoro type of helpful spirit, what would you make for yourself?
Sources:
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