10,000-Year-Old Pottery Found Under Lake Biwa, Japan

Ancient Pottery Over 10,000 Years Old Discovered Beneath Lake Biwa, Japan

Japan has uncovered a rare archaeological treasure beneath Lake Biwa— a fully intact pottery vessel dating back over 10,000 years , placing it among the earliest ceramic artefacts in the world. The find, located at the Tsuzuraozaki underwater ruins, sheds new light on prehistoric Japanese society and the artistic development of the early Jomon culture , famous for producing one of humanity’s first pottery traditions.

Discovery at Depth: A Window Into Prehistoric Japan

In October, archaeologists recovered the ancient vessel from 64 metres below the lake’s surface . Measuring around 25 cm in height with remarkably preserved texture and form, the artefact survived due to Lake Biwa’s stable, oxygen-poor conditions which prevent biological decay. The site, originally identified in 1924, has yielded hundreds of pottery fragments over the decades, but this intact piece stands out as a breakthrough for Asian archaeology.

Jomon Craftsmanship and Early Sedentary Life

The vessel is believed to belong to either Jinguji-style or Konami Upper-layer Jomon pottery , both characterised by engraved detailing and early aesthetic expression. Such artefacts mark the transition from mobile hunter-gatherer groups to settled societies that cooked, stored, and ritualised with pottery—an evolutionary milestone for human civilisation.

Technology Behind the Discovery

Researchers used autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), 3D sonar grids, and AI-enabled mapping tools to scan the lakebed. These technologies, once exclusive to deep-sea engineering, are now revolutionising underwater archaeology by enabling safe, accurate, deep-water exploration.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Age: Over 10,000 years (Early Jomon period)

• Site: Tsuzuraozaki ruins, Lake Biwa, Japan

• Depth of discovery: 64 metres underwater

• Tools used: AUVs + 3D sonar mapping systems