Early Neolithic Period, Yangshao Culture

Length: 24.8 cm, Height: 15.6 cm

Unearthed in 1958 at Beishouling, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province

The Boat-Shaped Painted Pottery Ewer is a model of a dugout canoe, vividly reflecting early practices of making primitive boats and fishing nets, as well as mastery of fishing techniques. This painted pottery ewer was used as a water container and belongs to the category of portable water vessels. The body resembles a tapered hull, with a cup-shaped mouth at the top. Both ends of the vessel curve upward like the prow and stern of a boat, and the body is decorated with net patterns. The imagery closely evokes scenes of hauling fishing nets from the river or hanging them along the side of a boat to dry after fishing. From its form to its decorative motifs, the vessel readily calls to mind boats, fishing nets, and fishing activities, vividly reflecting life on the water.