Jar, Jomon earthen ware.

Collection NumberA002679
TitleJar, Jomon earthen ware.
DateMiddle Jomon perio, ca. 3000-2000 BCE
Name of prefectures & citiesJapan
Description of works【The epitome of Jomon pottery with its intricate decoration】
This Jomon piece is characterized by eye-catching, intricate, and sculptural decorations of the mouth. It is evidence that very sophisticated pottery techniques existed on the Japanese archipelago as long ago as 4,500 years. There is no place in the world other than Japan that sculptural decoration of earthenware developed to this degree during this time frame.
Continuous cord patterns encircle the body, from which the name “Jomon” (cord-marked) is derived. It is in the shape of a fukabachi (deep jar) used for cooking. These items of cookware must have been expendable, as they broke easily, yet the Jomon people adorned them with intricate decorations — a feature unique to the Jomon culture.

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