East Asia, Japan, Middle to Late Jomon Period, ca. 2000 BCE. A sizable and deep hand-built terracotta vessel with an applied and corrugated pattern made by pressing a cord onto the wet clay before firing; hence the term "jomon" which translates to "cord pattern." 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 like the one here. Since no kilns have been excavated from the Jomon period, it is believed that the ancients fired these vessels in open fires. Size: 16.5" Diameter x 25" H (41.9 cm x 63.5 cm)
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 printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.
Provenance: private Illinois, USA collection
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#174559
Condition
Repaired and restored from many pieces. Infill to missing pieces, gaps, and along break lines. Break lines are nearly indiscernible on exterior. Losses and chips to rim tabs and applied appliques. TL drill holes on rim exterior and on side of body.