Page 59 - The Golden Age of Chinese Archaeology: Celebrated Discoveries from the People’s Republic of China

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Painted pottery hu vessel present version is found at only a few Banpo sites
in western Shaanxi province dating from an early
Height 15.6 (6), width 24.8 (9 Yz)
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phase in the culture's development. While its
Neolithic Period, Banpo Culture
cup-shaped mouth is in keeping with those on
(c. 4500-4000 BCE) other water containers, the overall appearance of
From Beishouling, Baoji, Shaanxi Province
the vessel suggests that it was modeled on a sack-
The National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing like container made of animal skin that was tied
off at the two corners. Cords passing through
Like many of the Neolithic vessels included in this the rounded lugs attached to the vessel's sloping
exhibition, which are exceptional either in shape shoulders enabled it to be lowered into the water
or decoration, this water container is a rare and and to be more easily transported.
atypical form. 1 Water containers characteristic The burnished reddish tan surface is decorated
of the Banpo culture are normally shaped as jars at the center by a rectangular field of intersecting
with a narrow neck and flat base, or as tall, slender diagonal lines painted in a brownish black pigment.
vessels that come to a point at the bottom. The Each of the lateral edges is bordered by a row

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