Ancient 10,000-Year-Old Pottery Unearthed in Japan’s Lake Biwa

A remarkable archaeological discovery beneath Japan’s Lake Biwa has unveiled one of the world’s oldest and most intact pottery vessels, dating back more than 10,000 years. The find, recovered from the Tsuzuraozaki underwater ruins, is providing unprecedented insight into the early Jomon period and reshaping understanding of prehistoric Japan’s ceramic craftsmanship.

The Ancient Vessel Unearthed from Lake Biwa

In October, Japanese archaeologists retrieved a perfectly preserved pottery vessel from 64 metres below the surface of Lake Biwa. Standing 25 centimetres tall, the artefact dates to the early Jomon period and represents a vital link to Japan’s earliest settled communities. Its exceptional preservation highlights the lake’s unique environment, which has shielded artefacts from decay for millennia. The Tsuzuraozaki site, first explored in the 1920s, has long intrigued researchers for its submerged remains of prehistoric activity.

Jomon Pottery and the Dawn of Ceramic Art

This vessel belongs to the Jomon pottery tradition—one of the earliest in human history. Emerging over 10,000 years ago, Jomon pottery marked humanity’s transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled societies. Experts believe this piece reflects either the Jinguji-style or Konami Upper-layer tradition, characterised by delicate engravings and refined forms. These early ceramics were not only utilitarian but also bore cultural and symbolic significance, reflecting a growing sense of aesthetic consciousness among Japan’s ancient inhabitants.

Technology Driving Underwater Archaeological Breakthroughs

The discovery was made possible through cutting-edge technology. Researchers used autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and 3D sonar mapping systems to survey the lakebed in high resolution. These tools, originally developed for marine engineering, enabled the exploration of deep and previously inaccessible areas. Robotics, artificial intelligence, and sonar imaging have now become essential instruments in underwater archaeology, opening new pathways to study submerged heritage sites with precision and safety.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The pottery dates back over 10,000 years, belonging to Japan’s early Jomon period.
• It was discovered 64 metres underwater in Lake Biwa’s Tsuzuraozaki ruins.
• Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and 3D sonar scanning aided the discovery.
• Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake and a key site for prehistoric research.

The Mysteries of Tsuzuraozaki and Ancient Japan

The Tsuzuraozaki underwater site continues to puzzle archaeologists. Since 1924, more than 200 pottery fragments have been found, yet the area’s purpose remains uncertain. Some scholars suggest it was once a lakeside settlement submerged by tectonic movements or rising waters. Others propose ritual significance, as the intact vessel’s upright position hints at ceremonial placement. Ongoing studies may soon reveal how early Jomon communities lived, worked, and worshipped along the shores of ancient Lake Biwa.