Painted Jar
China
(Neolithic Majiayao culture (c. 3300-2000 BCE))
Painted Jar
DateBanshan phase, ca. 2600-2300 BCE
Mediumbuff earthenware painted with black and red pigments
Dimensionsobject: 14 x 14 1/2 in. (35.6 x 36.8 cm)
box (red fabric): 14 1/2 x 16 x 16 in. (36.8 x 40.6 x 40.6 cm)
ClassificationCERAMICS
Credit LineSBMA, Gift of Carroll and Susanne Barrymore
Object number1990.50.1
Collection
- Asian
Sub-Collection(s)
- Chinese
On View
On viewLabel TextThis painted jar exemplifies the distinctive pottery found in the Majiayao Neolithic culture at Banshan in Gansu province, in the upper Yellow River valley in North China. It was hand coiled and then paddled for strength into thin walls. The spontaneous and rhythmic painted patterns show sophisticated use of the brush, which later became the primary tool for writing and for artistic expression in China. Painted pottery of this type is usually found in burial sites, suggesting possible ritualistic functions. The significance of the designs is now lost to us.
Pakistan, Baluchistan, Mehrgarh or Chalcolithic Culture
3500-2500 BCE
Pakistan, Baluchistan, Mehrgarh or Chalcolithic Culture
3500-2500 BCE
Pakistan, Baluchistan, Mehrgarh or Chalcolithic Culture
3500-2500 BCE
China, Jiangxi province
Southern Song-Yuan dynasty, 12th-14th century
