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Bansan painted pottery ewer with whorl design

Tags: Banshan | Neolithic | pottery

The Banshan type of painted pottery was discovered mainly in Gansu between 4,600 and 4,350 years ago. This pottery represents a transitional period between the Majiayao type and the Machang type, and usually consisted of small-mouthed and wide-bellied pots, single-handled kettles, double-eared jugs and earthenware basins. They are primarily decorated with various floral designs such as whirlpools, ocean ripples, bottle gourds, rhombus, parallel stripes, disfigured frogs and checkers separated by red and black serrated spaces.This Banshan pot has black and reddish brown paint on the surface and on the inner wall of the rim of the mouth, a cross design on the opening of the pot, twisted ropes on the belly, and a whirlpool on the body. The neck of the pot narrows from its opening. It has a round shoulder, a bulging belly, and , and a pair of ears on its waist. The bottom part narrows as it goes down, ending in a flat bottom. The pot was made of sandy clay, and is quite thick, but exquisitely fired and glazed.

 

National Museum of History