The Longshan culture, also sometimes referred to as the Black Pottery Culture, was a Neolithic civilization based in the middle and lower Yellow River valley areas of northern China from about 3000 to 1900 BC. Longshan potters appear to have focused on the form of vessels, which are incredibly varied and different from anything recovered elsewhere. The most common shapes are jugs with pouring spouts, tall stemmed cups, handled cups, and tripod bowls with hollow legs which were used for cooking. Most black pottery wares have been found in elite tombs and not in residential areas, suggesting that they were reserved for use solely by the wealthy and probably also for ritual purposes rather than for everyday use.
To discover more about the Roger Moss Collection, visit our Provenance Collection Page.
