Ceramics from early Japan, the Jōmon

Summary

This video explores the ancient Jomon Period in Japan, focusing on ceramic art and human figurines from around the third millennium BCE. The presenters admire the intricate decorations of a large, cord-patterned pot and discuss the primitive firing techniques used to harden it. Despite being functional, these early ceramics are highly decorative, reflecting an early appreciation for beauty. The video also highlights mysterious human figurines with exaggerated features, such as large eyes and round bodies, whose purpose remains unclear. The presenters suggest that future archaeological discoveries may shed light on their significance.

Takeaways

• 🧱 Japan has a long history of ceramics, with significant pieces from the Jomon Period.
• 🏺 The Jomon Period pottery dates back 4,000 to 5,000 years, with intricate designs.
• 🎨 The name 'Jomon' means cord decorated or cord patterned, referring to the pottery's texture.
• 👩‍🎨 The pots were built using techniques like coiling and pinching clay to form shapes.
• 🛠️ Potters used tools to make striations, cuts, and other detailed decorations on the surface.
• 🔥 These pots were low-fired in open flames, reaching about 700°F to harden the clay.
• 🌿 Despite the Neolithic period's focus on function, Jomon pottery was highly decorative.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Jomon people were transitioning from hunter-gatherer to more settled village life.
• 🌀 Human figurines from the Jomon Period feature exaggerated eyes and abstract body forms.
• 🔍 Archaeologists are still uncertain about the exact purpose of these figurines and pots.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Jomon Period in Japanese history?

The Jomon Period is significant in Japanese history as one of the earliest periods of pottery production, dating back to as early as the third millennium BCE. It represents a time when people were still largely hunter-gatherers but had begun settling in villages and cultivating plants toward the end of the period.

What does the term 'Jomon' mean, and how does it relate to the pottery of that period?

'Jomon' means cord decorated or cord patterned, referring to the decorative technique used on the pottery. The pots were often adorned with intricate patterns made by pressing cords into the clay.

What techniques were used to create Jomon pottery?

Jomon pottery was made using various techniques such as rolling out flat sheets of clay, building the pot with coils, and pinching the clay with fingers. The decoration was applied using small coils and tools to create striations and cuts.

How were Jomon pots fired, and what was the process involved?

Jomon pots were low-fired, meaning they were dried and then placed near an open fire that likely did not exceed 700 degrees Fahrenheit. This process removed moisture from the pot and hardened it for functional use.

Why is Jomon pottery considered highly decorative despite its functional purpose?

Jomon pottery is considered highly decorative because of the intricate designs, such as spiral and comma-like shapes, X patterns, and tooth-like forms. These embellishments suggest that even in the Neolithic period, people valued beauty alongside functionality.

What were some of the common decorative features on Jomon pots?

Common decorative features on Jomon pots included spiral shapes, broad and thin striations, comma-like patterns, and tooth-like projections. These elements were applied to both large areas and finer details of the pottery.

What do we know about the purpose of the human figurines created during the Jomon Period?

The purpose of the human figurines from the Jomon Period is not well understood due to the lack of written records from the time. However, the figurines are richly decorated, and their design elements, such as large eyes and rounded body parts, remain enigmatic.

What are the notable physical characteristics of the Jomon figurines?

Jomon figurines are characterized by large, coffee bean-like eyes, tiny noses and mouths, broad shoulders, bulbous legs, and small feet. They often feature rounded decorations, and some figures appear to wear necklaces with snake-like forms coiling down their torsos.

What is the current understanding of the cultural context of Jomon pottery and figurines?

Due to the absence of written records, the cultural context of Jomon pottery and figurines is largely speculative. Archaeologists rely on material evidence to form hypotheses, but the exact meanings and uses of these objects remain unknown.

How does the study of Jomon pottery and figurines contribute to our understanding of early human societies?

The study of Jomon pottery and figurines provides insight into the aesthetic sensibilities and functional needs of early human societies. It shows that even during the Neolithic period, humans engaged in artistic expression, blending beauty with utility.