UDK 903.02.08'i(5'0i2)"63i/634"
Documenta Praehistorica XXXV (2008)
Spiral patterns on the Neolithic pottery
of East Asia and the Far East
Irina Zhushchikhovskaya1, Olga Danilova2
1 Institute of History, Archaeology and Ethnology of Peoples of the Far East,
Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia, irinazh@mail.primorye.ru
2 Vladivostok State University of Economics and Services, Russia
ABSTRACT - The paper focuses on the investigation of East Asian and Far East Neolithic spiral pat-
terns, with the application of some mathematical principles. The basis of the research is published
data on pottery assemblages from Japan, Eastern China, and the Amur River basin from the 6th to
the beginning of the 1st mil. BC. We suggest a descriptive order of spiral patterns based on the typo-
logy of spiral figures used in geometry. This approach permits us to see the regional and cultural
diversity of Neolithic spiral patterns within the research area.
IZVLEČEK - V članku se ukvarjamo z matematičnimi principi vzhodnoazijskih in daljnevzhodnih spi-
ralnih vzorcev. Raziskava temelji na objavljenih zbirih lončenine iz Japonske, vzhodne Kitajske in
območja reke Amur od 6. do 1. tisočletja p.n.s. V članku predlagamo opis in razvrščanje spiralnih
vzorcev na podlagi tipologije spiral v geometriji. Skozi ta pristop lahko opazujemo regionalno in kul-
turno raznovrstnost neolitskih spiralnih vzorcev na študijskem območju.
KEY WORDS - East Asia and Far East; the Neolithic; pottery; spiral patterns; spiral as geometric figure
Introduction
In many regions, the Neolithic and Bronze Age saw
the flourishing of curvilinear ornamentation in de-
corative art - in particular, in pottery decoration.
One of most widespread motifs was the spiral, which
in its various techniques, configurations and compo-
sitional derivations, appeared on ceramic vessels in
Central and Mediterranean Europe (Bogucki 1995;
Manson 1995), Northern Africa (Spenser 1997),
East Asia and Far East (Chen Chunhe et al. 1995;
Kobayashi 2004; Okladnikov 1981; 1984).
In publications considering prehistoric, ancient and
traditional decorative arts, the description and sys-
tematization of spiral patterns are usually suggested
in general and approximate terms. Usually, spiral fi-
gures are identified as certain visual images and sym-
bols, such as 'S-shaped figure', 'C-shaped figure', '8-
shaped figure', 'e-shaped figure', 'running wave pat-
tern', 'volute pattern', 'weather horns pattern', and
'scroll design' (Ivanov 1962.347, 349, 353; Kahsina
1977.138-140; Kyzlasov and Korol 1990.22, 49, 53;
Kobayashi 2004.43, 48; Myl'nikova 1999.61; She-
pard 1985.255-305; Simonov 1995.32-34). In terms
of semantics, the spiral pattern is associated with
ideas of movement, dynamics, change (Malyavin
2001.484; Rybakov 1994.51, 195; Shepard 1985.
302-304). In some cases the spiral is interpreted as
a solar symbol (Yablan 2006.56).
This paper continues the subject of spiral motifs in
prehistoric decorative art, and considers ornamental
patterns in terms of geometry. Mathematical approa-
ches to the characteristics and study of ornamental
forms - in particular, past and traditional ones - con-
ducted since the 1920s and 30s are restricted mostly
by the application of the laws of symmetry as one of
the basic properties of organic and non-organic na-
ture (Birkhoff1933; Shepard 1948; 1985.259-305;
Sturrok 2003; Yablan 2006). In ca-
ses of curvilinear ornamentation, it
seems to be productive to use some
principles of the graphic construc-
tion, description and systematization
of curvilinear figures used in geome-
try and algebra (Pedoe 1979). The
paper presents the results of apply-
ing these principles to the study of
the spiral as a particular case of a
curvilinear figure, and spiral patterns
on the Neolithic pottery of East Asia
and the Russian Far East.
The archaeological framework of our
research includes the Jomon culture
of the Japanese archipelago, the
Yangshao cultural community in East
China, and the Neolithic cultures of
the Lower Amur River basin in the
Russian Far East (Fig. 1). The re-
search database is comprised of pub-
lications consisting of drawings and
photographs of ceramic vessels deco-
rated with spiral patterns (Aikens
and Higuchi 1982; Catalogue...
1999; Chen Chunhe et al. 1995;
Chzhang 1984; Fukuda 2007; Ka-
shina 1977; Kobayashi 2004; Ok-
ladnikov 1981; 1984; Pearson 1992;
Skarpari 2003; Yamanouchi 1964). The instrumen-
tal supplement of computer graphic processing
(Adobe Photoshop and CorelDraw programs) was
applied for the correct processing of the published
data and presentation of the images of spiral figures.
Fig. 1. Map of the research area: 1 - Japanese archipelago; 2 - East
China, Huanghe River basin; 3 - Lower Amur River basin.
p = ay
A spiral of this type looks like a coiled line turning
away from or towards a certain point on the plane.
The distance between the spiral's coils is constant
(Fig. 2.1).
The spiral as a geometrical figure
Spirals (from Lat. spiro - coil) are lines curved
around a certain fixed point on a plane or a certain
axis in space. Plane spirals are geometrical figures
formed by rotating and moving any point. The
direction of the movement is a basic characteristic
of the spiral. Four mathematical, or algebraic, types
of plane spiral figure are recognized. They are the
Archimedes spiral, the logarithmic spiral, the clo-
thoid spiral, and the spiral formed by the connec-
tion of semi-circular arcs (like the Chinese yin-yang
symbol). Each type is bound by certain geometrical
rules and has a distinctive appearance (Fig. 2).
The Archimedes spiral was described by Archime-
des in the 3rd century BC. Its algebraic formula gi-
ven in polar coordinates is:
The logarithmic spiral was described Decart and
Bernulli in the 17th century. Its algebraic equation
formula given in polar coordinates is:
p = aekv
A spiral of this type is constructed by regularly in-
creasing the distance between coils (Fig. 2.2).
Logarithmic and Archimedes spirals are similar to
the structures of some animal and plant forms. For
instance, the logarithmic spiral's configuration is
characteristic of the shell structure of certain kinds
of cephalopod and gastropod mollusks (Hadorn
and Wehner 1986). The configuration of the Archi-
medes spiral looks very like the coiled pattern of the
upper part of a fern shoot (Atlas 1980.333)- The idea
that certain natural forms might have been models
for the construction of ornamental patterns in the
Paleolithic and Neolithic has been advanced by some
Fig. 2. Mathematical types of spiral figures: 1 - Archimedes spiral; 2 - lo-
garithmic spiral; 3 - spiralformed by the connection of semi-circled arcs
(yin-yang symbol); 4 - clothoid spiral; 5 - descending clothoid spiral
(left); ascending clothoid spiral (right); 6 - determinaiton of direction
and inclination angle of tangent line in clothoid spiral.
researchers (Yablan 2006.52-179). In respect of di-
rection, we distinguish right-oriented and left-orien-
ted Archimedes and logarithmic spirals. After turning
a spiral figure through 180°, the direction remains
the same.
A clothoid spiral figure represents the plastic con-
nection of two symmetrical branches directed op-
posed (Fig. 2.4). The configuration of branches cor-
responds to the Archimedes or logarithmic spiral.
The term clothoid was introduced in 20th century by
the Italian mathematician Chezzaro as an analogy to
the Ancient Greek mythological character Clotho -
the goddess of fate, winding the thread of human life
around a spindle (information from www.liceotosi.
va.it/matehelp/sportello). The clothoid spiral corres-
ponds to the image of the well-known ornamental
'running wave' pattern. The parametric equations
for a clothoid spiral are:
a	o
C nu
= a cos-
J 2
■du
y
a	o
r . nu
= a sin-
2
du
Considering the clothoid figure as an ornamental
motif, we suggest establishing two descriptive char-
acteristics. The first is the direction of movement
indicated by the line which is tangential to both
branches passing through the connecting stretch.
The direction from left to right corresponds to the as-
cending clothoid; the opposite direction corresponds
to a descending clothoid. Another characteristic is
the angle of tangent inclination relative to the con-
ventional horizontal axis of the
clothoid. The angle depends on
the distance between the clo-
thoid's branches.
A spiralformed by the con-
nection of semi-circular
arcs described by Albrecht Dü-
rer in 16th century differs from
other spiral figures types by its
method of formation (Pedoe
1979.35-36). This spiral has
to be constructed in an instru-
mental-mechanical, or circular
way, but not by means of a ma-
thematical formula. Certain va-
riants of this spiral are deter-
mined by the length of semi-
circular arcs (Fig. 2.3). This fi-
gure is an analogue of the well-
known yin-yang symbol, in Chi-
nese the t'ai chi, or ultimate
(Williams 2003.385). These mathematical types of
plane spirals are applied to the systematization of
the variety of spiral patterns on Neolithic pottery in
East Asia and the Far East.
Spiral motifs on Neolithic pottery in Japan
The Neolithic Jomon culture existed in Japan from
13 600 to 900 BC, according to the most recent data.
It is divided into six periods, which are defined in
great measure in terms of changes in pottery deco-
ration and patterns (Kobayashi 2004). Even quite ar-
chaic pots from the Incipient Jomon period (13 600-
9200 BC) are in some cases designed with the sim-
plest ornamental compositions, while the most in-
tensive development of vessel decoration began in
the Early Jomon (5300-3500 BC). The potteries of
the Early, Middle, Late and Final periods are deco-
rated by quite variegated compositions, including
straight lines and curvilinear elements and motifs.
Pottery decoration was done by cord-impression, in-
cising, grooving, relief application, some kinds of
stamping, and carving. Each period produced its spe-
cific combination of techniques, while cord-impres-
sing remained the main technique from the begin-
ning to the end of Jomon culture.
The spiral motif on Early Jomon pottery
It seems likely that the spiral motif first appeared
in Jomon pottery decoration in the Early period. In
some cases we can see only amorphous spiral-like

elements (Fig. 3.3). In other cases, the completed
spiral figures are presented in a vessel's decoration
(Fig. 3.1-2). The type of figure is usually like an
Archimedes spiral. The technical means of spiral de-
coration are mainly cord-impression and sometimes
incision. The flexibility of cords was appropriate for
producing spiral patterns. According to published re-
cords, spiral figures form horizontal band composi-
tions. Two kinds of Archimedes spiral type are dis-
tinguished - right-oriented and left-oriented. There
are spirals formed by 1.5-2 coils and by 5-7 coils.
An interesting case of multi-coiled spiral ornamenta-
tion is presented on a ceramic vessel of Moroiso style
from Tenjin, in Yamanashi Prefecture (Kobayashi
2004.38, Fig. 3.13). The upper part of the vessel has
a wide horizontal band as the dominant, which is
formed by joining two left-oriented Archimedes spi-
rals. The way the spiral combine produces the illu-
sion of mirroring. The technique of ornamentation
is cord-impression (Fig. 3.1). Another case is a hori-
zontal band formed by alternating left-oriented and
right-oriented Archmedes spirals - this pattern is on
a vessel from a site near Fukuoka, Saitama Prefecture
(Yamanouchi 1964.Pl. 43).
Certain Early Jomon pottery samples present two
linked Archimedes spirals joined by a curved plastic
line similar to a clothoid spiral figure (Fig. 3. 2). For
instance, the horizontal band composition formed
by these figures is found on a ceramic vessel from a
site near Yudza, in Yamagata Prefecture (Yamanou-
chi 1964.Pl.42).
The spiral motif on Middle Jomon pottery
Spiral motifs developed further during the Middle
Jomon period (3500-2500 BC) in local pottery styles
called Kasory E, Kaen (Flame-like), Atamadai, Middle
Daigi and others (Aikens and Higuchi 1982.137-
156; Kobayashi 2004.42-49; Yamanouchi 1964.Pl.
78, 79, 82-85). In general, these styles demonstrate
great variability in decorative composition and tech-
nique. The decoration or ornamentation, including
spiral motifs, were mainly produced by applique re-
lief over a background of cord impressions. There
are spirals of several types: Archimedes, logarithmic,
and clothoid (Figs. 4 and 5). Given the data from
publications, we can suppose that the Archimedes
spiral occurs in pottery more frequently than other
types (Fig. 4. 3, 4). A logarithmic spiral is identified
clearly in some cases only (Fig. 4. 1). The series of
pottery samples shows a figure which appears to be
intermediate between Archimedes and logarithmic
spirals, especially when the spiral is formed by 1.5-
tf* H
►

Fig. 3. Spiral patterns on Early Jomon pottery, Ja-
panese archipelago (1 - Kobayashi 2004.38; 2, 3 -
Yamanouchi 1964. Pl. 42, 43).
2 coils (Fig. 4. 5, 7). Combining different spiral types
in the same composition is common (Fig. 4. 1, 2, 6).
The figure of an Archimedes or logarithmic spiral
may be used as a basic motif in ornamental compo-
sition (Fig. 4. 1-6), or as additional, or accenting one,
if the composition includes other more representa-
tional motifs (Fig. 4.7). In first case, the figures of Ar-
chimedes or logarithmic spirals form motifs of band
type ornament. Ornamental bands usually have a
horizontal orientation and are located in the upper
part of the vessel. The composition may be organi-
zed by a simple parallel transition, or replication of
a spiral figure along the horizontal axes (Yamanou-
chi 1964.Pl. 82, 107), or alternating left-oriented and
right-oriented spirals similar to the principle of mir-
roring (Yamanouchi 1964.Pl. 109, 144). Spiral figu-
res forming horizontal bands are sometimes linked
together by a direct horizontal or slightly inclined
line that gives the effect of a permanent pattern (Ya-
manouchi 1964.Pl. 82, 84, 107, 109). In some cases,
ornamental band compositions consisting of Archi-
medes or logarithmic spirals are vertical (Fig. 4.1). It
may be noted that the principle of the vertical dis-
Fig. 4. Spiral patterns on Middle Jomon pottery, Japanese archipelago
(1, 2 -from Kobayashi 2004.44, 46; 3, 4,5 - Catalogue 1999.11; 6, 7 - Ya-
manouchi 1964.Pl. 122, 112).
position of ornamental motifs and elements was
known in the pottery-making tradition of the Early
Jomon period. For instance, ceramic ves-
sels of Ento type were designed with ver-
tical zones filled in cord impressions of
various kinds (Yamanouchi 1964.Pl. 32,
33). Obviously, the manner of orienting
ornamental patterns vertically survived
during the Middle Jomon period, but in
another decorative context. Interesting
cases are the compositions formed by
combining large and small Archimedes or
logarithmic spiral figures (Fig. 4. 1, 2).
The clothoid spiral type seems to be an
infrequent motif on Jomon pottery of the
Middle period. In particular, the pottery
of Kasori E style shows some samples of
clothoid spiral motif (Kobayashi 2004.43,
Fig. 316). Spiral figures produced in re-
lief applique technique have a horizontal
orientation forming the band composi-
tion. The specific feature of the clothoid
spiral is that its branches are separated
one from another by some in-
terval or distance. The angle of
tangent inclination is around
20-40°. This gives the impres-
sion of a 'fluent', long-drawn
spiral (Fig. 5 ).
The spiral motif on Late
and Final Jomon pottery
The late (2500-1200 BC) and
Final (1200-900 BC) Jomon
periods are characterized by
significant changes in pottery-
making standards. The pottery
assemblages from Late and Fi-
nal Jomon sites provide evi-
dence of improving techni-
ques and technology, increas-
ing diversity of shapes, and
new tendencies in ceramic ves-
sel decoration. Ornamental
motifs and compositions mar-
ked by esthetic perfection cor-
relate finely with the vessel's
shape. Ornamentation techni-
ques include incising and gro-
oving, low relief application,
carving, and cord-impressing
(Aikens and Higuchi 1982.
164-182; Kobayashi 2004.40, 42-49; Pearson 1992.
73-75).
Fig. 5. Spiral patterns on Middle Jomon pottery, Japanese ar-
chipelago (1, 3 - from Kobayashi 2004.43; 2 - Yamanouchi
1964.Pl. 139).
Curvilinear ornamentation appears on the pottery
of local types: Horinouchi, Final Angyo, Kamegaoka,
and others (Aikens and Higuchi 1982.164-179; Fu-
kuda 2007.25-71; Kobayashi 2004.40; Yamanou-
chi 1964.Pl. 15-264). Published records show a se-
ries of curvilinear figures which are associated with
Archimedes and logarithmic spirals or their interme-
diate forms. The configuration and compositional
pattern of spiral motifs share characteristics with the
same spiral types of the Middle Jomon (Fig. 6). The
2-2.5-coiled spiral figure predominates, while in cer-
tain cases the spiral may be formed of 5 to 6 coils
(Catalogue...1999.47, Fig. 1; Yamanouchi 1964.Pl.
164, 178, 181, 191). Archimedes and logarithmic
spiral figures form horizontal or, more rarely, verti-
cal band compositions by parallel transition or mir-
roring (Catalogue.1999.29, Fig. 3,31, Fig. 1; Yama-
nouchi 1964.Pl. 178, 181) (Fig. 6. 1-3). Sometimes
the spirals may be combined with other elements
and motifs to forming an ornamental composition
(Pearson 1992.97, Fig. 47, 99; Yamanouchi 1964.
Pl. 164) or in some cases may be used as an additio-
nal accenting motif (Aikens and Higuchi 1982.144,
Fig. 3.26; Yamanouchi 1964.Pl. 112) (Fig. 6. 4).
The clothoid spiral as an ornamental motif saw sig-
nificant development during the Late to Final Jomon
(Fig. 7). In most of cases, the configuration of clo-
thoid figures is close to the clothoid of the Middle
Jomon in its fluent, long-drawn line. The angle of tan-
gent inclination to the horizontal axes of clothoid
figures varies from 15° to 35°. In a few cases a com-
pact, or 'expressive' clothoid, where the small dis-
tance between the branches may be noted. Accor-
ding to published records, there are several compo-
sitional variants of the clothoid spiral pattern. The
first is a band of running wave type spirals combi-
ned to produce an effect of permanent movement.
Usually the ornamental band is oriented horizon-
tally (Fig. 7.2 ,3, 4). For instance, ceramic bowl from
the site at Kainohana, Final Jomon period, is decora-
ted with a wide band of incised, descending clothoid
spirals (Catalogue... 1999.33, Fig.4). An ornamental
band composition formed of incised ascending clo-
thoid figures is located in the mouth of a footed bowl
from the Korekawa site, Final Jomon (Pearson 1992.
107). There are some similar cases (Yamanouchi
1964.Pl. 209, 250, 252). One kind of ornamental
composition has a horizontal band of separate clo-
thoid spiral figures located at an angle to band's
axes. This decoration was produced by incision, or
incision in combination with carving (Fig. 7.5, 6). In
rare cases, one can fix the vertical disposition of the
clothoid spiral pattern on the vessel body (Fig. 7. 1).
The clothoid spiral was sometimes an accentuating
element in an ornamental composition. Thus, the
teapot-shaped vessel from Final Jomon site near
Edosaki, in Ibaraki Prefecture, is decorated with a
wide zone of incised meanders. The finest incised
clothoid spiral figures are included in a total compo-
sition as 'enlivening' details. (Yamanouchi 1964.
Pl. 185).
Spiral motifs on Neolithic pottery in eastern
China
The Yangshao culture was discovered in the Huang-
he River basin in the 1920s. The investigation of ar-
chaeological sites abundant in various cultural re-
mains provided information of great value for under-
standing the Neolithic of East and Central China. The
pottery was recognized as the most remarkable fea-
ture of Yangshao culture. A developed technology,
significant morphological diversity and surprisingly
colorful and complicated decoration are distinctive
features of Yangshao ceramic vessels (Chen Chunhe
et al. 1995.25-35; Kashina 1977).
Fig. 6. Spiral patterns on Late and Final Jomon pottery, Japanese archipelago (1, 2, 3 - from Catalogue
1999.29, 31, 47; 4 - Yamanouchi 1964. Pl. 202).
After the discovery of Yangshao culture, a series of
closely related Neolithic cultures in a general chro-
nological framework from the end of the 5th to the
end of 3rd mil. BC was recognized within the vast
area of the Huanghe basin. These are the Machayao
and Daven'kou cultures, and some others (Chzhang
1984; Kuchera 1977; Scarpari 2005.154, 155, 215).
Neolithic pottery was decorated with polychrome
and monochrome painting on polished walls. Black,
brown, white, and green colors were produced from
mineral pigments. Ornamental traditions are charac-
terized by a great diversity of elements, motifs, and
compositional schemes. Curvilinear motifs - spirals,
in particular - were widespread.
According to the data of published illustrations, the
spiral configurations generally correspond to the
clothoid type (Figs. 8 and 9). Probably among the
earliest evidence of clothoid spiral patterns are the
compositions on ceramic vessels from the Myaodigou
site of the Yangshao culture, 3280 ± 100 BC. In some
cases, ornamental horizontal band compositions are
formed of clothoid-like elements (Kuchera 1977.Pl.
2,	3) (Fig. 8.1, 2). In other cases the compositions re-
present completed clothoid spirals. For instance, ures
of ascending clothoids are combined to form a wide
horizontal band surrounding the vessel body. The
decoration is produced by multiple repetitions of a
spiral figure in paint of various colors (Kashina
1977.114, Fig. 51-3). Similar ornamental composi-
tions are characteristic of the pottery from the Yang-
shao culture site at Bangshan, while here the spiral
figures correspond to descending clothoids (Fig. 8 -
3,	4). It is interesting to note that the ceramic ves-
sels designed with this ornamentation are interpre-
ted as funerary urns (Kashina 1977.124-140). The
decoration of pottery from the site at Machang de-
monstrates cases of ascending and descending clo-
thoid spiral figures composing horizontal bands.
Sometimes the spiral pattern serves as the structu-
ral frame for stylized zoomorphic images of frogs
and others (Kashina 1977.132, Fig. 64 -1, 5).
The ceramic vessels of the Machayao culture are de-
corated with wide polychromic horizontal bands
constructed of combined clothoid spirals of ascend-
ing and descending type (Fig. 9.1-4). An interesting
case is the ornamental band formed by four descen-
ding clothoid figures combined with stylized frog
images (Kashina 1977.117, Fig. 53 -9a, 9b). In
some cases, one can note a net-structured pattern of
circles and ascending clothoid spirals (Fig. 9. 5) (Ka-
shina 1977.113, Fig. 50-1). A specific feature of clo-
thoid spiral patterns on Machayao and Yangshao pot-
Fig. 7. Spiral patterns on Late and Final Jomon
pottery, Japanese archipelago (1, 2, 3, 5, 7 -from
Yamanouchi 1964.Pl. 181, 209, 235, 244, 250; 4 -
Catalogue 1999.33; 6 - Kobayashi 2004.40).
tery is that in certain cases the concentric circles or
round figures enter inside the clothoid's branches
(Fig. 9. 1, 5). In the pottery of Daven'kou culture
there are cases of spiral patterns close to Yangshao
ornamentation - a wide horizontal band of ascend-
ing and descending clothoid spirals (Fig. 9. 6) (Ku-
chera 1977.Pl. 11; Chzhang 1984.94, Fig. 26).
Sometimes curvilinear patterns were constructed
using the Archimedes spiral. For instance, in Bang-
shan pottery there are cases of horizontal ornamen-
tal bands formed by the parallel transportation of a
right Archimedes spiral figure (Kashina 1977.134,
Fig. 66-5). The same principle of ornamentals band
Fig. 8. Spiral patterns on Yangshao pottery, East China (1, 2 - from Kuchera
1977.Pl. 2, 3; 3, 4 - from (http:/www. bibliotekar. ru/china1/3.htm).
are right and left orien-
ted Archimedes spirals
within same composi-
tion (Derevyanko and
Medvedev 2006.136,
Fig. 7.10 - 3). In the
cases of clothoid spiral
patterns, the opposing
branches of the curvili-
near figure are formed
with multi-coiled Archi-
medes spirals (Fig. 10.
1). Sometimes, horizon-
tal band composition is
formed with curvilinear
formed with left-oriented Archimedes spirals is found
on the pottery of Machayao culture (Skarpari 2003.
155).
Spiral decoration on Neolithic pottery from the
Lower Amur River region
The Neolithic of the Lower Amur River region in the
southern region of the Russian Far East is presented
in archaeological assemblages of the Malyshevo, Kon-
don, Voznesenovka cultures. These cultures, proba-
bly connected by close relationships, form a chrono-
logical sequence within the li-
mits of the 6th-mid-2nd mil.
BC. Pottery is the most repre-
sentative category of artifacts
at these Neolithic sites. Cera-
mic vessel decoration is very
diverse as to motifs, composi-
tions, and techniques (Derev-
yanko and Medvedev 2006;
Medvedev 2003; Okladnikov
1981; 1984).
Pottery assemblages of Maly-
shevo culture and Voznese-
novka culture give the series
of spiral pattern samples. Ma-
lyshevo culture pottery dated
to the 6th-mid-4th millennium.
BC has examples of Archime-
des and clothoid spirals used
as the basic motifs of horizon-
tal band compositions. Spiral
decoration was produced by
imprinting with a toothed rol-
ler tool (Fig. 10). The Archi-
medes spiral is formed of 4-6
coils. In certain instance there
figures looking like uncompleted, or 'broken', clo-
thoid spirals (Derevyanko and Medvedev 2006.136,
Fig. 7.10 - 4).
The pure flourishing of spiral patterns is connected
with the pottery-making tradition of the late Neo-
lithic Voznesenovka culture in the mid-3rd-mid-2nd
mil BC. Ceramic vessels excavated at the sites at Voz-
nesenovka, Kondon, Takhta, Suchu have horizontal
band-like compositions formed with motifs of Archi-
medes and logarithmic spirals, clothoid spirals, and
the yin-yang type, or a type of 'T'ai Chi figure' (Fig.
Fig. 9. Spiral patterns on Machayao (1-5) and Davenkou (6) pottery,
East China (1, 3 - from Kuchera 1977.Pl. 4, 7; 2, 4, 5 - from http:/www.
bibliotekar. ru/china 1/3.htm; 6 - from Kuchera 1977.Pl. 11).
Fig. 10. Spiral patterns
(from Okladnikov 1981.
11). The decorative tech-
nique was standard - inci-
sed or grooved spiral pat-
terns over a vertical zigzag
pattern impressed by a
small-toothed comb and
covering most of the ves-
sel's walls. So, the spiral
pattern played the main
role in a vessel's decora-
tion. In many cases the
composition represents
the combining of different spiral types - for instance,
Archimedes or logarithmic spirals and clothoid spi-
rals (Fig. 11.4, 8), or clothoid and yin-yang spirals
(Fig. 11.2). The spiral figure formed by the connec-
tion of semi-circular arcs and looking like a yin-yang
symbol occurs in ornamental compositions in seve-
ral cases - this motif is specific to the Late Neolithic
pottery of Lower Amur, as against Jomon culture
and Yangshao pottery (Fig. 11.1-3).
The pottery of Voznesenovka culture is quite interes-
ting in some samples decorated with curvilinear an-
thropomorphic images. Fragments of such vessels
were discovered at Voznesenovka (Fig. 12). An im-
portant element of this decoration is a spiral figure
of yin-yang type. The decoration is produced by gro-
on Malyshevo culture pottery, Lower Amur region
Pl. 62, 85, 89j.
oving and fine comb-impressing on a red painted
and polished background. Researchers interpret these
splendid vessels as containers for non-utilitarian, pro-
bably festive, purposes (Derevyanko and Medvedev
2006.148).
Conclusion
The materials considered here provide a basis for
some conclusions concerning spiral patterns on the
Neolithic pottery of East Asia and the Russian Far
East.
O The current mathematical typology of the plane
spiral as a geometric figure may be applied to the
description and systematization of curvilinear de-
Fig. 11. Spiral patterns on Voznesenovka culture pottery, Lower Amur region (1-6, 8, 9 - from Okladni-
kov 1984.Tabl. XV, XIX, XX, XXI, XXII, XLV, XLVI, LVII; 7 - from Okladnikov 1981.Pl. 91)
coration on prehistoric pot-
tery. This approach helps
to make our research more
correct and logical, and pro-
vides new possibilities and
perspectives in the study of
archaeological records.
© The pottery decoration of
Neolithic cultures of East-
ern Asia and the Russian
Far East presents cases of
spiral motif configurations
corresponding to all the ba-
sic types of plane spiral fi-
gure. These are the Archimedes, logarithmic, clo-
thoid spirals, and the spiral of yin-yang type, or
t'ai chi figure. It may be considered as evidence
that the spiral was one of the main and most de-
veloped geometrical concepts of the Neolithic po-
pulation in this part of the world.
Fig. 12. Spiral patterns on pottery with anthropomorphic images from
the Voznesenovka site, Voznesenovka culture, Lower Amur region (from
Okladnikov 1981.Pl. 18, 19).
It is a classic type of running wave pattern. The clo-
thoid figure is characterized by the short distance
between its branches, creating the effect of an ex-
pressive, compact spiral. This style differs obviously
from the clothoid spirals on Jomon pottery. Archi-
medes spiral figures were used in Neolithic Chinese
pottery spiral decoration more rarely than clothoids.
© The spiral decoration of Neolithic East Asian and
Far Eastern pottery demonstrates certain regional
and cultural variability. The pottery-making tradi-
tion of Jomon culture from the Early to the Final
period shows a gradual development of spiral mo-
tifs and compositions including them. Spiral mo-
tifs are formed with Archimedes, logarithmic, and
clothoid spirals. Archimedes and logarithmic spi-
ral types reaches the peak of development in the
Middle Jomon period, while the clothoid type
flourished during the Late-Final periods. The clo-
thoid spirals on Jomon pottery are characterized
mostly by fluent, long-drawn configurations. In ge-
neral, they show great compositional diversity.
A distinctive feature of spiral decoration on eastern
Chinese pottery is the predominance of spiral motifs
corresponding to clothoid figures. The compositio-
nal structure of the ornamental pattern is standard
in most cases - clothoid spiral figures are combined
to form a horizontal band around the vessel's belly.
Curve-lined decoration on the pottery of Lower Amur
region became most developed in the late Neolithic
stage, the mid 3rd-mid 2nd millennium. BC, which
was close to the Late Jomon of the Japanese archi-
pelago and some assemblages of the Yangshao cul-
tural circle in East China. Ornamental compositions
tend to be combinations of various spiral types, ra-
ther than patterns of single spirals. The most interes-
ting feature of spiral ornamentation on Lower Amur
pottery is the presence of a motif corresponding to
a curvilinear figure formed by the connection of
semi-circular arcs, or the yin-yang symbol.
In general, it seems likely that regional variability in
spiral decoration reflects cultural differences in pre-
historic esthetic conceptions and traditions. The com-
mon idea of spiral figures was adopted in different
forms in various Neolithic entities of East Asia and
the Far East.
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