Title: Jomon Vessel with Flame-like Ornamentation
Creator: Unknown
Date: 3000 – 2000 BC
Period: Jomon Period
Location: Umataka, Nagaoka-shi, Niigata, Japan
Culture: Japanese
Materials: Clay
Dimensions: w280 x h350 mm
Repository: Tokyo National Museum
This highly expressive piece is an example of a Jomon pottery vessel. The detailed impressions provide a texture that can appear to be “rope-like” which is the origin of the word jomon, meaning “cord pattern.” In this particular vessel the impressions along with the overall shape are said to appear like a flame. This is highlighted by the expressive pointed tips and the various protrusions on the top of the vessel. It is theorized these elaborate protrusions first served the purpose of being handles for the vessel, but functionality aside, they are a very central part of the pieces appearance.
References: https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/jomon-vessel-with-flame-like-ornamentation/EAFZwCqwyxnc6A
https://www.ancient.eu/Jomon_Pottery
