[Museum Treasure 114] Shanghai Museum, China. Black Pottery Carved-Pattern Covered Jar Editorial Photo

The Black Pottery Carved-Pattern Covered Jar from the Songze Culture of the Neolithic Age, displayed in the East Wing of the Shanghai Museum, is renowned for its profound black glaze and intricate carved decorations. The jar boasts smooth contours, a slightly convex lid, and vividly carved patterns that reflect the daily life and nature worship of the Songze ancestors. More than a masterpiece of ancient pottery art, this jar serves as a vital material for studying Neolithic society, culture, and aesthetic concepts.