East Asia, Japan, Jomon Period, ca. 14,000 to 300 BCE, most likely about 5,500 years old. A considerable hand-built terracotta vessel of a sprouting form with a flat base, the exterior walls impressed with an uneven and non-linear corrugated pattern made by pressing a cord onto the wet clay before firing; hence the term "jomon" which translates to "cord pattern." The large, upturned rim flares outward relative to its cylindrical form with four nubbin-shaped projections just below the rim, a small bifurcated loop handle, and a sweeping triangular handle with multiple suspension holes. 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." This vessel may date to the early Jomon period given the relatively simplistic decorations, as those of the middle period were complex in their decorative aspect. Size: 10.75" W x 14.25" H (27.3 cm x 36.2 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. 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)

For a stylistically-similar example, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1992.252.1: https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1992.252.1/

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

Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection

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#133815

Vessel repaired from several large pieces with some areas of restoration, resurfacing, overpainting, and small losses along break lines. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age as expected, small losses along base, body, handles, and rim, with some fading and darkening, and light fading to impressed cord patterns. Nice earthen deposits throughout.