East Asia, Japan, Middle to Late Jomon Period, ca. 3000 to 1800 BCE. 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 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: 9.8" in diameter x 13.8" H (24.9 cm x 35.1 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 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.
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.
Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection
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#166773
Condition
TL holes to base and under decoration near top. Repaired from several pieces with restoration over some break lines, while other are visible. Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining detail.