Rare large complete Japanese Jomon pottery vase

Early to mid Jomon period (ca. 5000-1500 BC)

Jomon, appeared in Japanese neolithic period, means cord pattern in Japanese language. As the name indiated, Jomon's most significant characteristic is the surface impressions formed by compressing the cords onto the wet clay before firing. Depending the method making the cord, the patterns on the surface are different. The form of the Jomon is a recipient with usually a varied decoration on the top. Particularly towards the mid Jomon period, some look like flames achieving its highest esthetic leavel. They served as cooking and storage vessels. Jomons were made using coiling method, the same as early Chinese neolithic jar, and fired at low temperature, thus extremely fragile. The complete jomons like this one are through carful repair and restorations and are rare in the market.