We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Jar

circa 6000 BCE-circa 3000 BCE

Artist

Jômon ware

Japan

10500 BCE – 0300 BCE

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Kanto District → Japan
    Period
    Jômon period 10,500 - 300 BCE → Japan
    Date
    circa 6000 BCE-circa 3000 BCE
    Media category
    Ceramic
    Materials used
    earthenware
    Dimensions
    22.0 x 19.0 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Purchased 1977
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    363.1977
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Artist information
    Jômon ware

    Works in the collection

    1

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  • About

    With its restrained decoration, this small jar is the earliest example of Japanese pottery in the collection. It's 'cord pattern', over-incised by wider lines, is typical of pottery made in the Kanto district (present-day Tokyo and environs) during the mid to late Jomon period. The patterns in Jomon pottery are thought to have meaning rather than being purely decorative, but their meanings are not known today. This type of jar was used to cook food, most likely half-buried in a fire, with the lugs functioning as handles.

    The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.260.

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

    • Elemental, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 30 Jul 2022–2024

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 1 publication

  • Provenance

    pre 1977, Kanto District/Japan, excavated in kanto District, Japan.

    AKAI Mitsuru, 1977, Kyoto/Japan

    Aladdin Gallery, 1977, Potts Point/Sydney/New South Wales/Australia, purchased from Akai Mitsuru, Japan. Purchased from Aladdin Gallery by the Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, Sep 1977.