Jar

Description

The Early Jōmon period (ca. 5000–3500 B.C.) was characterized by pottery decorated with “cord-impressed” (jōmon) designs. In the Middle Jōmon period (ca. 3500–ca. 2400 B.C.), in addition to cord-marked patterns, pottery decoration was achieved using sharp tools to gouge out bands as well as by applying coiled cords of clay onto the surface. The combination of these decorative techniques on this jar may indicate that it dates to the Middle Jōmon period, which was also noted for vessels with flamboyant rims, known as “fire-flame” pottery. Vessels with more restrained crowns are found in the Middle period, but also may date to the Late Jōmon period (ca. 2500–ca. 1000 B.C.).