Amphora, Red earthenware

Collection NumberA007385
TitleAmphora, Red earthenware
DateMiddle Neolithic age, Banpo phase of the Yangshao culture, ca. 5000-4000 BCE, China.
Name of prefectures & citiesChina, middle reaches of the Yellow River
Place of excavationwhere excavated is unknown
Description of works【A jar that is both fashionable and practical】
This jar’s shape resembles that of an ancient Greek or Roman amphora, but it was made 2000 years earlier. When this vessel is thrown into a river with a rope laced through its two “ears,” gravity tilts the vessel, allowing water to enter its mouth. After a sufficient amount of water has collected inside, the jar naturally moves into an upright position and sinks, allowing even more water to enter, and enabling people to obtain a jarful of water when it is pulled out of the river. It is a beautiful vessel that cleverly achieves practical usage as well.

PageTop