East Asia, Japan, Jomon Period, ca. 14,000 to 300 BCE, most likely about 3,000 to 4,000 years old. A sizeable hand-built terracotta vessel of a conical form with a flat base, the exterior walls impressed with a striated pattern made by impressing a cord onto the wet clay prior to firing, hence the term 'jomon' which translates to 'cord pattern'. According to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Heilbrunn Timeline essay, "They (potters of the Incipient Period) produced deep pottery cooking containers with pointed bottoms and rudimentary cord markings—among the oldest examples of pottery known in the world." Given its relatively plain decoration, this vessel may date to the early or the late Jomon period, as those of the middle period were more elaborate in their decorative aspect. Size: 12.75" in diameter x 13.75" H (32.4 cm x 34.9 cm)

The ancient Japanese Jomon Period (ca. 14,500 to 300 BCE) 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. In fact, the etymology of the word Jomon means cord pattern. 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." (https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/jomo/hd_jomo.htm)

Provenance: private 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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#126559

Repaired from multiple pieces with areas of restoration as shown.