Chinese Neolithic Period Pottery Vessel

Late Yangshao to Early Majiayao Culture, c. 4000 - 2000 BC, China

A magnificent and exceptionally rare hand-built Neolithic pottery jar, distinguished by its sizeable, thin-walled construction and strikingly elegant form. The vessel features a large bulbous body, flaring neck, and three applied strap handles, evenly spaced around the midsection—an unusual and highly desirable characteristic. The buffware body is richly decorated with applied black pigment, forming bold zigzags, bow-like motifs, linear designs, and drooping rungs between the handles and shoulders—a hallmark of early Chinese artistic expression.

Vessels of this type were likely used for storing large volumes of rice, brewing beer, or even as burial urns, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ritualistic and domestic life of Neolithic China.

The Neolithic period in China (c. 8000–1700 BC) marked a major shift to agricultural settlements, with the Yangshao culture (c. 5000–3000 BC) flourishing along the Yellow River basin, laying the foundation for early Chinese civilization. The Majiayao culture (c. 3100–2000 BC) produced some of the finest painted pottery of the prehistoric era, influencing later artistic traditions.

This museum-quality piece is a superb addition to any collection of ancient Chinese artifacts, offering a visually striking and historically significant example of early pottery craftsmanship.

Excellent condition. Intact. Wear commensurate with age and use. No cracks, fractures or chips. Fading to areas of pigmentation. Size approx. 33,5cm x 28,0cm x 28,0cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection.

References and further reading:

Form Follows Function: The Story of Chinese Neolithic Pottery, Edie Hu, Sothebys, May 18, 2022. (www.sothebys.com/en/articles/form-follows-function-the-story-of-chinese-neolithic-pottery)

The Pottery Age: An Appreciation of Neolithic Ceramics from China Circa 7000 BC - Circa 1000 BC, Ronald W. Longsdorf, CA Book Publishing, Hong Kong, 2020.

Old but Never Forgotten: Chinese Neolithic Pottery, Grace Funk, Bowers Museum, 21 July 2022. (https://www.bowers.org/index.php/collection/collection-blog/neolithic-chinese-vessel)

Department of Asian Art. Neolithic Period in China, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000 -. Oct. 2004 (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/cneo/hd_cneo.htm)

The British Museum Book of Chinese Art, Rawson, Jessica, et al., London: British Museum Press, 1992.

"Chinese pottery", Encyclopedia Britannica, Jerome Silbergeld,  George Savage,  and Michael Sullivan, 6 Feb. 2014. (https://www.britannica.com/art/Chinese-pottery)