Handcrafted Jomon Dogu Figure – Gassho-Dogu (Praying Figurine)
Details
She sits in a posture of perpetual prayer. This replica is based on a particularly evocative Gassho-Dogu, or praying dogu, from the Late Jomon period (c. 1500–1000 BCE). There is something undeniably serene about her—she seems to inspire quiet reflection and reverence.
This Dogu stands out among other figures of the period due to how and where she was discovered. Found lying on her side on the floor of a pit dwelling, she appeared as if asleep, though it is thought she originally stood on an interior wall, facing the entrance—welcoming those who entered.
At some point, she fell and broke, a common occurrence with Dogu figures. These were often deliberately broken after ritual use. But in this case, she was repaired—traces of natural asphalt on her cracked left leg suggest careful mending by her original owner, an act that speaks to her significance.
She was also once painted entirely in red, a rare treatment indicating special importance. For this replica, we’ve chosen to depict her as she appears today, unpainted and powerful in her simplicity.
The detailed depiction of female genitalia, the mask-like features, and the sense of poise and dignity have led some to interpret her as a symbol of fertility, ritual protection, or ceremonial dress. But what she represents to you is entirely personal.
This figure was created as part of our work for the Circles of Stone: Stonehenge and Prehistoric Japan exhibition, currently on show at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. The exhibition brings together two rich prehistoric cultures—Jomon Japan and Neolithic Britain—through their art, architecture, and shared reverence for the natural world.
Limited Edition*
Only a small number of these figures are made for public sale each year—usually five or fewer.
Period
Late Jomon period (c. 1500–1000 BCE)
Materials
Smoke-fired terracotta
Dimensions
Height: Approx. 200 mm
Width: Approx. 90 mm
Depth: Approx. 100 mm
Production
Each figure is hand-built using clays similar in character to those used by Jomon potters. It is fired in a wood fire to reproduce the surface colouration of the original. Where tool marks appear on archaeological finds, we replicate these tools in stone, wood, shell, bone, and antler.
Firing
The figure is fired using methods that emulate ancient firing conditions—in close contact with wood fuel to create unique surface variations. To enhance durability while maintaining historical accuracy, we fire to a slightly higher temperature, creating an authentic look and feel.
Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all items are ready.
Shipping
All items are sent via second-class postal service as standard.
If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.
Let this timeless figure watch over your space—just as she did for her original Jomon community, over 3,000 years ago.
