Ancient East Asia, Japan, Late Jomon Period, ca. 2000 BCE. A hand-built pottery jar of a tall and slender form exhibiting fine patterning and ancient charm. The vessel presents with a planar base, a cylindrical body with a slight corset, a protruding shoulder with a slight carination, and an openwork handle projecting upwards off the verso. Most of the exterior surfaces are adorned with a stippled, cord-impressed pattern that creates a tactile texture and ample gripping surfaces; hence the name "jomon" translates to "cord pattern." Bands of concentric curvilinear S-shaped bands in low relief course across the shoulder to create a dynamic effect, and deep incisions embellish the handle around the 3 large perforations. An intriguing and handsome vessel from ancient Japan! Size: 11.125" W x 18.2" H (28.3 cm x 46.2 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. 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."

Cf. The Brooklyn Museum, accession number 79.278.2

A similar example with 3 handles hammered for $8,925 at Bonhams, New York "Fine Japanese and Korean Art" auction (March 17, 2021, lot 625)

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.

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.

Provenance: private Chicago, Illinois, USA collection

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#166982

Repaired from multiple pieces, with small losses, chipping, and heavy adhesive residue along break lines. Losses to section of upper rim as well as small areas of body as shown. Minor softening to some impressed details, with light encrustations, and darkening to exterior pottery color in scattered areas. Nice preservation to overall form. TL drill holes beneath base and along upper body just beneath lowest shoulder decoration.