Sue Ware
Japan, Kofun period, 300 AD - 552 AD
Kyushu Historical Museum, Dazaifu


Sue Ware
Japan, Kofun period, 300 AD - 552 AD
Jonan Historical Museum, Kumamoto


Hu Vessel
China, Banpo Culture, 4500-4000 BC.
National Museum of Chinese History, Beijing

Water Vessels

The shape of the Japanese Kofun vessels (above photographs) is very old, having predecessors as early as the Chinese Neolithic (lower left photograph). They imitate water skins. Cords and straps attached to the lugs and body would allow the vessel to be let down into the water for filling and cooling, and subsequently carried away.