Jeulmun Pot

ca. 4th millennium BC
from Amsa-dong
h. 38.4 cm (15 in)
Kyonghui University, Seoul

Comb-pattern vessels typically display horizontal comb bands at the mouth of the pot, but this one displays horizontal bands at the base of the pot as well. In between are overlapping, herringbone "mountain peak" combs. Perhaps the overall decoration can be interpreted as earth-mountain-sky or water-mountain-sky, although this is conjectural; the herringbone combs have also been interpreted as fish bones. This vessel is quite similar to the National Museum pot on the previous page, but is especially pleasing due to the carefulness of its workmanship.