Jar with Cord-patterned Decoration

ca. 3500 BCE-2500 BCE

The Jomon culture survived for thousands of years and presents extraordinary continuity in the Japanese archipelago. The earthenware vessels often display a depth indicative of their use in cooking. Prior to the invention of the potter’s wheel, they were built up entirely in coils. The surface was then smoothed and polished with the aid of spatulas, stones or shells. Decoration was applied as imprints of cords, bamboo tools or shells. The vessels were then fired in an outdoor pit using wood as fuel. Their stylised forms representing clouds, water and fire are actually just a small fraction of the immense repertoire used by Jomon potters. They may transcribe myths which are unknown to us from any other sources.