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The Power of Dogu

Japanese ceramic art taken from a new exhibition at London's British Museum.

The Power of Dogu
From next week, a collection of dog? (mysterious ceramic figures that were produced in prehistoric Japan) will go on show at the British Museum in London. Most of the examples in this exhibition date from about 2500 BC to 1000 BC, and three of the 67 on display have been designated national treasures of Japan.
The Power of Dogu
Animal-faced dog?. Kamikurokoma, Yamanashi prefecture. 2500-1500BC. Tokyo National Museum
The Power of Dogu
Standing dog?. Nishinomae, Yamagata prefecture. 2500-1500BC. Yamagata prefectural Board of Education.
The Power of Dogu
Stab-shaped cruciform dog?. Sannai Maruyama, Aomori prefecture. 2500-1500BC. Aomori Prefectural Board of Education.
The Power of Dogu
Dog? with palms pressed together. Kazahari I, Aomori prefecture. 1500-1000BC. Hachinohe City. Photo credit: © Ogawa Tadahiro
The Power of Dogu
Hollow masked dog?. Nakappara, Nagano prefecture. 1500-1000BC. Chino City Board of Education
The Power of Dogu
Clay figure of a wild boar. Tokoshinai, Aomori prefecture. 1500-1000BC. Hirosaki City Museum. Photo credit: © Ogawa Tadahiro
The Power of Dogu
Deep earthenware vessel with face-shaped handle. Kaido, Nagano prefecture. 2500-1500BC. Okaya City Board of Ecuation
The Power of Dogu
Vessel with human ornamentation. D?kunmae, Gunma prefecture. 2500-1500BC. Shibukawa City Board of Education