Old use, contemporary inspiration Jomon Pottery Old use, contemporary inspiration

Oldest Pottery in the World The pottery vessels crafted in Ancient Japan during the Jōmon period are generally accepted to be the oldest in the world. They are not, however, the oldest ceramic objects, which are figurines such as the Venus of Dolní Věstonice discovered in what is today the Czech Republic

Venus of Dolní Věstonice

Characteristics The majority of Jōmon pottery has rounded bottoms and the vessels are typically small. Later Jōmon pottery pieces are more elaborate, especially during the Middle Jōmon period. The name Jōmon itself means “rope-patterned”.

Incipient Jomon period from 10,000-7,000 BC

Incipient Jomon period from 10,000-7,000 BC

Jomon Pot 3000-2000 BC, from Chiyonohara.  Tokyo National Museum. Jomon pots were hand-turned, not made on a wheel, and marked with cord impressions. Cord marking has a practical, as well as an esthetic, affect - it prevents cracking when the pot is fired.

deep vessel with rings for hanging middle jomon tsunagi, iwate

Flamboyant Jomon Pot 3000-2000 BC, from Umataka  Tokyo National Museum. Pottery like this raises profound questions about cultural identity and difference in early Japan. Its baroque decoration contrasts wildly to the Yayoi aesthetic, of elegant simplicity, that has dominated Japan ever since.

Comtemporary Artists inspired by Jomon pottery

ALAN J. SEROTA

Peggy Nadeau

Peggy Nadeau

Dax Mench

Rhonda Balding

Today’s Studio Objective Build two pots using coil building techniques One should be at least 8” tall One should be bowl shaped At least one of these two should have a smoothed surface. At least one of these two should have some decorative element besides the coils.

Bibliography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C5%8Dmon_Pottery