Between the soil and rice: Jomon and Yayoi periods, the shape of the soul dwelling in vessels
Between the soil and rice: the shape of the soul that resides in vessels from the Jomon and Yayoi periods
Introduction: Times change, and so do forms of prayer.
The flame-like patterns of Jomon pottery. The quiet resonance of Yayoi pottery.
Each piece of pottery embodies the spirit of the times.
In this blog, I would like to reexamine the differences between the Jomon and Yayoi periods from the perspectives of "tableware," "lifestyle," and "prayer," and trace the changes in beauty and meaning.
Jomon pottery: Memories of the wind engraved in the clay
• Characteristics of the design: Dynamic and lifelike designs with flame shapes, spiral patterns, protrusions, etc.
• Uses and meaning: It is said that it was used not only for cooking but also in rituals and prayers.
• Spirituality: Coexistence with nature, reverence for life. Tableware is something to be used, but also something to be felt.
"Jomon pottery is beautiful."
It may have been the beauty of the moment when prayer took shape.
Yayoi pottery: vessels that reflect the shadows of rice ears
• Characteristics of the design: Thin and gentle, with emphasis on functionality. Patterns are modest.
• Use and meaning: In agricultural societies, it was a practical tool specialized for storage, transportation, and cooking.
• Spirituality: Productivity, order, community. Vessels have a strong meaning as "useful things."
Yayoi pottery was created in accordance with the rhythm of rice cultivation.
Pottery now reflects plans rather than prayers.
Jomon and Yayoi Periods: Contrast and Fusion
item Jomon period Yayoi period
Pottery shaping Dynamic and decorative static/functional
spirituality Coexistence with nature Production and Order
Social structure Equal/decentralized ・Group type
Forms of Prayer Clay figurines and ritual implements Bronze artifacts and moated settlements
aesthetic sense Sensibility and improvisation Plans and boundaries
This difference reflects a change in human worldview, rather than a fundamental technological innovation.
A question for the modern age: Which beauty should we listen to?
Jomon vessels were used to listen to the sounds of the wind and fire.
Yayoi vessels were made to support the weight of rice ears.
This too is a beauty born within the human framework, but which voice are we listening to right now?
If it becomes a WABISUKE color series,
• Jomon = "fire," "vortex," "earth," and "prayer"
• Yayoi = "rice," "plow," "ring," "shadow"
It would also be wonderful to reinterpret these as seasonal words and develop them into seasonal poems that are embodied in the vessels.
Conclusion: Tableware speaks the spirit of the times
Jomon and Yayoi periods. Even though the shapes of vessels are diverse, the desire to entrust something to people remains the same.
It is a prayer, a memory, a sense of beauty.