Middle Jomon pottery from the Chubu and Kanto regions of Japan has reached the pinnacle of Jomon pottery with the development of dynamic raised line patterns, and is one of the finest examples of Stone Age pottery in the world. The pottery known as kaen-gata earthenware (mid-middle Umataka style) is a typical example of this style, and two pieces excavated at the Umataka site in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, are representative of this type. The tops of the four sides of the mouth rim have chicken-shaped handles, and the tops of the handles and the rest of the mouth rim are made of clay string in the shape of a small wave. The design of the body is carved in four compartments around the handles and ring ears, with a spiral pattern at the upper end and a parallel straight line pattern below. Compared to the free and unrestrained design on the handle, the spiral patterns between the circular ears and on the upper edge of the body lack fluidity. The two pottery types excavated at the Umataka site are very similar, except that the handle is reversed on the left and right sides.
