Jar (Guan)
Neolithic period (2600-2300 BCE)
Machang phase, late Majiayao culture
Painted cer…

Images(2)

Vessel (Guan)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-vessels

Date2600-2300 BCE

Made AtGansu Province, China, Asia

Made AtNingxia Hui Autonomous Region, China, Asia

Made AtQinghai Province, China, Asia

MediumPainted ceramic

Dimensions16 5/16 × 40 in. (41.5 cm)

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number2000.39.1

DescriptionServing as a funerary vessel during the Neolithic period (2600-2300 BCE), this jar's ornamentation is strikingly dramatic. The crosshatch design, which produces a net-like appearance, is common along vessels specifically from the Majiayao culture. The crosshatch occurs as a more open-weave design at the neck and more tightly within the "hatched-gourd" symbol that repeats around the body. The "hatched-gourd" symbol is one of the 140 common motifs of Chinese ceramics during this era.

In this jar, the gourd motif on the side of the vessel bears resemblance to the vessel itself. Another eye-catching design element is the toothed border that is found along the perimeter of the gourd and and around the neck. The Machang phase evolved from earlier Banshan pottery made by the Majiayao culture. However, it appeared with new black on red stylized geometric designs.

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