On view

Asian Art
Huo Pavilion

Jar,

2500–1000 BCE

Japanese
Middle Jōmon period to Late Jomon period, ca. 2500–ca. 1000 BCE, ca. 3500–2500 BCE
2002-297
In the middle Jōmon period, in addition to the “cord-impressed patterns” (jōmon) that give the period its name, potters also decorated their wares by other means. They used sharp tools to incise designs of winding grooves, and applied rolled cords of clay to the surface, as seen here. This vessel was not turned on a wheel but was instead built up from the bottom by adding layer upon layer of clay coils.

More Context

Handbook Entry

The Early Jo ̄mon period (ca. 5000–ca. 3500 b.c.) was characterized by pottery decorated with "cord-impressed" (<em>jo ̄mon</em>) designs. In the Middle Jo ̄mon period (ca. 3500–ca. 2400 b.c.), pottery was also decorated with gouged-out bands and added coils of clay. The combination of decorative techniques on this jar may indicate that it dates to the Middle Jo ̄mon period, which was also noted for vessels with flamboyant rims, known as "fire-flame" pottery.

Information

Title
Jar
Dates

2500–1000 BCE

Medium
Earthenware
Dimensions
h. 26.0 cm., diam. 22.6 cm. (10 1/4 x 8 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, Fowler McCormick, Class of 1921, Fund
Object Number
2002-297
Place Made

Asia, Japan

Culture
Type
Materials

–2002 Kaikodo Gallery (New York, NY), sold to the Princeton University Art Museum, 2002.
Note: Jar comes from Japan with copy of form documenting legal export.