Jōmon pottery

Jōmon pottery is ancient Japanese ceramic ware dating from around 14,000 to 300 BCE, characterized by its distinctive cord-marked patterns created by pressing cords into the clay before firing. It is among the earliest pottery in the world, reflecting a semi-sedentary hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The pottery features various shapes, such as pots, vessels, and figurines, often decorated with intricate designs, serving both practical and ceremonial purposes. Its development indicates advances in food storage, cooking, and social complexity, providing valuable insight into early Japanese culture and craftsmanship.