The flame-shaped earthenware, with its powerful and flamboyant patterns, has attracted attention from the world of fine art as a representative of primitive Japanese art, and was designated a National Treasure in 1999. It was the first piece of Jomon pottery to be designated as a National Treasure in Niigata Prefecture.
The flame-shaped earthenware was made around 4,500 years ago, in the middle of the
Jomon period, and was named after its large, rising handle, which looks like a blazing fire. Many examples of this type of pottery have been excavated in Tokamachi City and Tsunan Town in Niigata Prefecture.
