
Collection Online as of February 2, 2023
Earthenware with slip-painted decoration
Diameter: 39.1 cm (15 3/8 in.); Overall: 45.2 cm (17 13/16 in.)
Gift of Donna S. and James S. Reid, Jr. in honor of Dr. Ju-hsi Chou 2004.64
241A Arts of Ancient China
This jar is a spectacular example of painted pottery from the Majiayao culture, one of the regional cultures of prehistoric China. Its geometric patterns are probably abstract symbols transformed from a bird image, which may suggest a clan totem or nature spirits. Archaeological work confirms the coexistence of different regional cultures in ancient China, contesting the old belief that the Chinese civilization originated solely along the Yellow River. The artifacts of these cultures manifest distinctive characteristics; each one played a role in the formation of the greater Chinese civilization.