Ancient East Asia, Japan, Late Jomon Period, ca. 2100 BCE. A lovely example of a hand-built pottery vessel of a flat-bottomed form with a slender body, gradually widening shoulders, and a thick rim surrounded by 5 bifurcated loop handles. Fine, petite impressions cover the entirety of the exterior surface, from body to rim and handles, that resemble a series of rope cords - hence the term "jomon" which translates to "cord pattern." The loop handles around the shoulder were perhaps intended for securing a lid to the top of the vessel. A wonderful combination of form and function from ancient Japan! Size: 11.7" W x 13.4" H (29.7 cm x 34 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 is available to the buyer upon request.

Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection

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#171156

Repaired with restoration and small losses. Chips, nicks, and abrasions to body, base, and handles commensurate with age, with softening to some impressed patterns, and light encrustations. Nice preservation to overall form. TL drill holes beneath lower rim and beneath base.