Central Honshū, Japan

Globular Narrow-Necked Storage Vessel with Relief Lattice Ornamentation of the Middle Jōmon Period

2083

Middle Jōmon Period (Chūki Jōmon), c. 3000–2000 BCE

A globular narrow-necked storage vessel of the Middle Jōmon Period, produced approximately 3000–2000 BCE by hand-coiling methods in central Honshū. The vessel is harmoniously proportioned with a full globular body tapering to a narrow cylindrical neck with a flared lip, and small loop handles at the shoulder. The exterior surface is entirely covered by a continuous raised clay lattice in a geometric grid pattern, applied in thick ribbon strips that produce intersecting framed oval and rectangular cartouche panels across the girth. The ground between the lattice strips is further enriched with cord impressions and fine incised lines. The pronounced height of the applied lattice ridges and the depth of the channels between them create strong physical relief; under directional light, these ridges and channels produce a dramatic linear chiaroscuro that emphasizes the geometric order of the surface against the swelling organic form beneath it.