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East Asia, Japan, Late Jomon to Final Jomon Period, ca. 1500 to 500 BCE. A pottery jar of voluminous form with a tapered, cylindrical body and a dramatically flared mouth with protruding points and a pair of small strap handles. The rim / neck area has interesting bands of applied clay that form sinuous ridges and the recessed surface has impressed linear patterning. The lower body exterior surface is also covered with a corrugated, cord-impressed pattern that creates a tactile texture and ample gripping surfaces; hence the name “jomon” translates to “cord pattern.” This type of pottery is highly valued for its age and intricate designs – Jomon is Japan’s oldest pottery making culture and is possibly one of the oldest in the world – Jomon pottery shards have even been dated to 14,000 BCE! Size: 10.5″ Diameter x 14″ H (26.7 cm x 35.6 cm)
The ancient Japanese Jomon Period is known for its distinctive pottery tradition that set it apart from the Paleolithic Age. Jomon pottery vessels are among the oldest in the world and typically present rope- or cord-like impressed decoration. Since no kilns have been excavated from the Jomon period, it is believed that the ancients fired these vessels in open fires.
According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Heilbrunn Timeline essay, “All Jomon pots were made by hand, without the aid of a wheel, the potter building up the vessel from the bottom with coil upon coil of soft clay. As in all other Neolithic cultures, women produced these early potteries. The clay was mixed with a variety of adhesive materials, including mica, lead, fibers, and crushed shells. After the vessel was formed, tools were employed to smooth both the outer and interior surfaces. When completely dry, it was fired in an outdoor bonfire at a temperature of no more than about 900 [degrees] C.”
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.
Condition: Repaired and restored from many pieces. Infill and new material added to break lines and gaps to stabilize the rim /neck area. Fissues and breaks are visible throughout. TL tested with TL hole on the tallest projecting rim point, and second Tl hole on the tip of another rim protrusion.
Provenance: private Illinois, USA collection
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