Mee Lee

Unknown

Well

private collection

This "Majiayao Culture Banshan Type Spiral Pattern Colored Pot with Double Ears" was created during the late Neolithic period of the Majiayao culture Banshan type (approximately 2800–2500 BC) and is a masterpiece of prehistoric pottery from the upper reaches of the Yellow River. The Majiayao culture Banshan type is renowned for its intricate and highly symbolic colored pottery decorations, marking the peak of the development of colored pottery culture in China and serving as an important foundation for the subsequent Qijia culture and the rise of Bronze Age civilizations.

This double-eared pot is made of red pottery, featuring a round shape with a wide belly, a short neck, and an open mouth. It has symmetrically placed double ears on either shoulder, facilitating carrying and securing. The pot is predominantly decorated with black paint and accented with red, showcasing bold and powerful spiral waves, symmetrical geometric patterns, serrated lines, and small nail-shaped motifs. The shoulder is adorned with a series of triangular teeth patterns, creating a strong sense of decorative rhythm and a mystical atmosphere. These spiral and wave patterns are often interpreted as religious symbols representing water flow, life, and female worship, reflecting the spiritual and religious pursuits of Banshan society.

The Majiayao Banshan type colored pot with double ears was not only a practical vessel for daily storage of grains and beverages but also an important carrier of rituals, sacrifices, and tribal identity in primitive settlements. Its harmonious colors and intricate patterns serve as a valuable testament to the fusion and development of art, craftsmanship, and social systems in prehistoric China.

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