Japan, Middle Jomon period Storage Jar About 3000-2000 B.C. Earthenware with modeled and impressed decor 22 inches wide, 21-1/4 inches high The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fund 82.9.1

Earthenware vessels were generally used by the lower classes of society for eating, drinking, storage, and other routine functions. To suit different utilitarian and ceremonial needs, Jomon potters produced vast quantities of large pots in many forms, including fireplace bowls, pots for storage and cooking, lamps or incense burners, and footed vessels. This jar was used to store harvested crops or foods gathered from the surrounding area. Jomon pots were not used as grave offerings; all examples have been found at dwelling sites.⁴

Many pieces have unique decoration, which leads us to think that perhaps people added original designs to make the pots recognizable as their own. The great variety also comes from the fact that pottery was not made in workshops; each household had at least one family member who was skilled in ceramic production.

Although the top-heavy, unstable shape seems impractical, this jar was probably set in a hole in the dirt floor of a Jomon dwelling, making its contents easily accessible. That would explain why only the rim has such highly original decor.

Until recently, interest in Jomon ceramic wares was limited to ARCHAEOLOGICAL study. Today these vessels are admired and sought after by collectors and museums for their powerful, primitive beauty.

Notes

4. Adalbert Klein, A Connoisseur's Guide to Japanese Ceramics (London: Alpine Fine Arts Collection, 1984), p. 17.

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