SMALL BOWL, Earthenware, Jomon Period（10000–300BCE）

This piece is a bowl-shaped earthenware vessel from the Middle to Late Jōmon period (approximately 2500–1000 BCE). It has a gently flaring mouth, a rounded body, and a relatively tall bowl profile. It was likely made either as a vessel for serving liquids or porridge-like foods, or as a ritual object.

On the exterior, a cord-marked pattern characteristic of Jomon earthenware is incised across the entire surface; notably, from the base up onto the body the motif is applied uniformly and densely. These impressions were made by rolling fiber or braided cords and serve not only as decoration but also to improve grip and increase strength. The interior is finished relatively smoothly.

The clay surface is softly colored from ashy white to ashy brown, and partial blackening—resulting from reducing flames in the kiln during firing—is present. There is a single join scar on the lower body, yet the piece remains in good condition, retaining its complete vessel form.