Large Jar, Painted Terracotta, China, Majiayao Culture, Banshan Period, Circa 2600-2300 Bc.

An interesting painted terracotta jar from the upper Yellow River valley in China. The vessel with a wide pouring spout, two handles is decorated with painted patterns in black and red: stripes, vague dots and a geometric frieze.
The ceramists of the Majiayao culture produced many types of ceramic vessels, decorated geometric patterns, or resembling plants or symbolizing the forces of nature. The decorations were often symbolic in nature, the meaning of which is often unknown today; it is thought, for example, that the phallic lines may have suggested water. Majiayao ceramics are often described as one of the greatest achievements of Neolithic cultures in China. Scholars divide it into three periods: Majiayao (3300-2600 BC), Banshan (2600-2300 BC) and Machang (2300-2000 BC), characterized by the evolution of shapes and painted patterns used on vessels.

China, Majiayao culture, 3rd millennium BC, probably Banshan period (c. 2600-2300 BC).

Height 35.5 cm, length 39 cm, diameter 35 cm.

Good state of conservation.

Information and auction results:

https:/ /www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44723
https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6189345
https://onlineonly.christies.com/s/art -china-including-property-irving-collection/large-painted-pottery-jar-73/108163
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2022/ancient-civilizations-neolithic- pottery-including-the-collection-of-ronald-w-longsdorf

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