- Title: Jar
- Date: 2500-1500 BCE
- Location: Japan
- Physical Dimensions: h14.13 in (Overall)
- Provenance: 125th Anniversary Acquisition. Purchased with the Hollis Family Foundation Fund, the Henry B. Keep Fund, and the East Asian Art Revolving Fund, 1999
- Type: Ceramics
- Rights: © 2014 Philadelphia Museum of Art. All rights reserved.
- External Link: Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Medium: Earthenware with applied and incised decoration
- Artist/Maker: Artist/maker unknown, Japanese
This jar from the Jomon Period is a remarkable example of an early Japanese ceramic work. Lines etched into the surface of the clay swirl and converge around the base of the jar, evoking scenes of water flowing downstream. The clay is a deep orange ochre hue, and the surface is not glazed. The wide mouth of the jar features four corners as well as additional etched designs. The jar was likely used for mainly decorative purposes, as well as to showcase the aesthetic value of ceramics in ancient Japan.
