This impressive pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is quite "heavily-potted" with a smooth surface and is fairly highly-fired. It has a short neck with flared mouth, and two sturdy loop handles on opposing sides at the waist. The outside of the jar and the mouth have been decorated with geometric patterns painted onto the surface with a mineral-based pigment, prior to firing in the Neolithic kiln. The pattern comprises the well-documented frog or hand pattern, as well as the circular net pattern. 

This is a particularly large example with a height of 40 cm (15.75 inches). Part of the vulnerable mouth has been restored but that is the extent of repairs; an exceptional example in very good condition.

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