Translation guide
In Japanese, 'clay figure' can refer to various traditional and modern objects, from ancient haniwa to contemporary crafts. The most common term depends on context: historical artifacts, artistic sculptures, or simple children's crafts.
Referring to prehistoric or ancient clay figurines, especially from the Jomon period (dogū) or Kofun period (haniwa).
Specifically refers to clay figurines from the Jomon period, often with exaggerated features and used in rituals.
この土偶は縄文時代のものです。
This clay figure is from the Jomon period.
Clay figures placed on ancient burial mounds (kofun) during the Kofun period, often in shapes of people, animals, or houses.
古墳の周りに埴輪が並べられていた。
Haniwa clay figures were lined up around the ancient tomb.
A clay figure made as a piece of art, sculpture, or decorative item, not necessarily ancient.
General term for a clay statue or figure, often used in art contexts.
彼は粘土像を制作している。
He is making a clay figure.
Clay doll or figurine, often implying a smaller, more decorative or toy-like object.
子供たちが粘土人形を作った。
The children made clay figures.
A clay or plaster statue, often used in fine arts or Buddhist contexts. More formal and technical.
この塑像は鎌倉時代の作だ。
This clay figure is from the Kamakura period.
A basic clay figure made as a craft, often by children or in casual settings.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'a doll/figure made of clay'. Natural for everyday conversation.
粘土で作った人形を乾かしている。
I'm drying the clay figure I made.
Clay craft or clay work; can refer to the activity or the resulting figure.
週末に粘土細工を楽しんだ。
I enjoyed making clay figures over the weekend.
土偶 (dogū) are from the Jomon period and often have human-like forms with exaggerated features. 埴輪 (haniwa) are from the Kofun period and were placed on tombs; they include animals, houses, and warriors. Use the correct term based on historical context.
When the type of clay figure is not specific, you can simply describe it as 粘土で作った〜 (made of clay). For example, 粘土で作った動物 (clay animal figure).