The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 18, 2024

Jar with Spiral Designs

Jar with Spiral Designs

3300–2650 BCE
(3300–2650 BCE)
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
Location: 241A Arts of Ancient China

Did You Know?

The spiral designs on this jar were made using an ancient Chinese pottery technique called slip painting.

Description

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.
  • (Kaikodo, New York, NY)
    ?–2004
    Mr. James Sims Reid Jr. [1926–2020] and Mrs. Donna S. Reid [b. 1931], Cleveland Heights, OH, given to the Cleveland Museum of Art
    2004–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • Kaikodo journal. Vol XI, Spring 1999. Mentioned and Reproduced: cat. no. 42, pp. 152–153, 286–287
    Cleveland Museum of Art. The CMA Companion: A Guide to the Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland: Cleveland Museum of Art, 2014. Mentioned and reproduced: P. 92
    Cleveland Museum of Art. Museum Masters: 2016-17 Companion Guide. [Cleveland, Ohio]: Cleveland Museum of Art, 2016. Mentioned and Reproduced: P. 34
  • {{cite web|title=Jar with Spiral Designs|url=false|author=|year=3300–2650 BCE|access-date=18 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2004.64