Jomon civilization (3) japanese ware 2014/12/09
World oldest lacquer (japanese) ware was also excavated from the Japanese archipelago which is as old as 9000 years old.
By coating japan, they could make earthen vessels improve their toughness and water resistance significantly and also present much more attractive appearance.
Although japanese wares were really practical and useful in ancient time, it took quite long time to cultivate japanese lacquer trees and only limited quantity of raw lacquer was obtainable from one tree. Moreover a hard job of purification was required before coating, and proper drying up was also essential after coating.
Whole process to complete a japanese ware required plenty amounts of sophisticated and patient works which could be more troublesome than cultivating wheat or rice.
In Jomon period, people did not have full scale production of a grain, however they cultivated not only lacquer tree but also trees for chestnuts, walnuts and acorns. They also cultivated lots of greens like brackens, ferns, arrowroots or Japanese parsleies.
Thanks to mild climate and healthy circumstances, there had been abundant animals and greens in the Japanese archipelago, therefore people at Jomon period had enough food. It is presumed they chose to keep fishing and hunting life style than full scale cultivation which was still at the developing stage and contained high risk of poor harvest.
It is also presumed they showed much interest not only in daily necessities but also in artistic works. We can learn from sophisticated earthen vessels or beautiful japanese wares that they must have spared much of their time to produce artistic works or instruments for pray.
As the study on Jomon period goes on, we are gradually approaching to the real image of highly sophisticated Jomon civilization.
