Jarre, M.C. 7519(2)

Date of production: between -3300 and -2000 type(s) of object(s): archaeology, ceramics name(s): tableware and kitchen utensils, vase materials and techniques: terracotta, colors - pigments, coil shaping place(s) of execution/realization: gansu (province) comment on the place of discovery: banshan dimensions - artwork: height: 45. 5cm diameter: 13cm description: this jar was made with coil (a large clay ball) and fired at around 800°c. It has a high, narrow collar decorated with two small side ears. The broad body with sloping shoulders and narrowed base is divided into two parts marked by the presence of two large grip handles. The upper part is enhanced with a rich and complex decoration of solid lines and jagged lines arranged in spirals and painted in black and reddish slips. A rectilinear brown line coupled with a wave pattern delimits the composition, leaving the lower part of the body without ornament. This piece is part of the neolithic production of the province of gansu, a region where jars were unearthed in banshan, machang and xindian. The terracottas from these three sites show an evolution towards a simplification of geometric decorations and the appearance of shapes which seem inspired by metal art. The banshan culture itself appears to be an extension of the painted pottery culture of central china, unearthed at banpo (near xi'an) near the yellow river. Iconographic description: decorated with large serrated scrolls on the top of the body. Mode of acquisition: purchase at public sale date of acquisition: 05–03–1929 institution: cernuschi museum, museum of asian arts of the city of paris inventory number: m. C. 7519.