This Chinese jar dates to the Neolithic era, during the latter half of the second millennium BC. The rounded form is common among prehistoric ceramics from many parts of the world. But look closely at the patterns around the shoulder and the mouth of the vessel. You can see individual strokes of the brush used to paint these lines by hand. Linear designs appear on the earliest jars from northwest China, like this example from the upper basin of the Yellow River. Over time, this linearity became the essence of Chinese art. This is especially evident in the twin arts of Chinese calligraphy and painting, both of which encourage close contemplation of the unique qualities of the painted line.