Head

Unknown

16th–18th century · Terracotta, sacrificial materials, pigment · Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Edo terracotta heads differ from comparable works cast in brass in their greater simplicity, both stylistically and in the incorporation of less regalia. Generally, they are less delicate or refined, with thicker, fuller facial features, and reflect the relative speed with which they were made. It has also been suggested that the king's coral regalia might have been stored on terracotta heads, or that they were used as molds from which to cast brass heads.

Artist

Unknown

Date

16th–18th century

Medium

Terracotta, sacrificial materials, pigment

Culture

Edo peoples

Department

Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Credit line

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Klaus G. Perls, 1991