Ancient Japan

Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods

Aerial view of Daisenryo Kofun, a keyhole-shaped burial mound in Japan, surrounded by a dense green area and urban landscape.

From tomb mounds to pottery, the art of ancient Japan is the primary way we understand the period before 538 CE

Jomon Period
Yayoi Period
Kofun Period

Jomon and Yayoi periods

c. 10,500–300 BCE and 300 BCE–300 CE

Japan’s Neolithic period is associated with Jomon Culture, known for its ceramics. In the Yayoi period, ceramics continued to be important, and metallurgy was introduced.

VIDEO: Dotaku (ritual bronze bells)

Important terms and concepts

Jomon period

Yayoi period

dotaku

bronze

Kofun period

300-538 CE

Named after the large tomb mounds constructed during this period

Important terms and concepts

Kofun period

Haniwa

Earthenware

Coiling method

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