Jomon and Yayoi

Although no traces of Paleolithic culture have yet been found in Japan, two main types of Neolithic cultures are distinguishable. One is known as Jomon, (Rope Pattern), because the pots which characterize this time were made by coiling, and/ or the decorations were made with coils. The other is the Yayoi type, named from the place where they were found. Although it is known that both types are found all over Japan. Jomon pottery is found more in the north and east, and Yayoi pottery is scarcer. Jomon pottery is found generally to be on a lower level and is therefore believed to be older than the Yayoi. Although in technique it is much more primitive and rather clumsy. It is however of the two far more artistically interesting. It shows evidence of being much freer in the variety of shapes and also much more inventive and creative in the design. It seems that the Jomon culture developed for a long time in isolation until it was replaced by the Yayoi culture during the Neolithic period which itself went on into the Bronze Age.