Jar with two decorative handles. Jomon earthen ware.

Collection NumberA000192
TitleJar with two decorative handles. Jomon earthen ware.
DateMiddle Jomon period, ca. 3000-2000 BCE.
Name of prefectures & citiesJapan
Place of excavationExcavated from Yamagata Village, Higashichikuma District, Nagano Prefecture
Description of works【Mid-Jomon pottery in dynamic form produced in the Chubu-sangaku area】
During the Jomon (“cord-marked”) period, which lasted 13,000 years, the mid-Jomon (3000 BCE to 2000 BCE) was characterized by earthenware that was the most decorative of all Jomon subperiods. This fukabachi (deep jar) is one such example and was used for cooking. With its vine-like, spiral design made of clay ropes, it was a popular style in the Chubu-sangaku area (a mountain range that stretches across Niigata, Toyama, Nagano, and Gifu prefectures). Large, projecting handles at the top are also decorated with a spiral design.
 Practical cookware with intricate decorations, such as this piece, exemplify one of the best known characteristics of Jomon pottery.

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