Jar c. 5th century

This jar was made by an anonymous maker out of stoneware. You can see at once that it's a product of the potter's wheel. The smooth round belly of the vessel, the concentric decoration at the neck, and the circular base are all evidence of that process. But that doesn't mean it was made quickly, or without great effort. This type of stoneware requires very high-temperature firing. The artist-craftsperson would have needed to manage the kiln carefully, feeding it fuel over a long period to achieve the right result. Also, consider the small triangular cutouts at the base. This suggests the jar wasn't just for storage, but perhaps for heating as well. In other words, the vessel speaks to basic needs, like food and warmth, that would have been central to daily life. Thinking about how this jar was made, and what it was for, gives us a richer understanding of the culture that produced it, and the value of craft.