East Asia, Japan, Middle to Late Jomon Period, ca. 2500 to 1500 BCE. A considerable hand-built terracotta vessel of a sprouting form with a flat base. The exterior walls are adorned by incised parallel and zigzag striations travelling both vertically and horizontally, as well as an impressed design pattern made by pressing a cord onto the wet clay before firing; hence the term "jomon" which translates to "cord pattern." The large shoulder flares outward relative to its cylindrical body and forms a wide, folded rim displaying 3 upward points. Bands of applied clay form abstract patterns along the broad shoulder. A stunning combination of form and function from ancient Japan! Size: 8" in diameter x 12.5" H (20.3 cm x 31.8 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° C."

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world’s largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: ex-private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166299

Repaired from several pieces with restoration over break lines. Expected nicks, chips, and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with light earthen deposits. TL drill holes beneath base and inside of top rim.