of or pertaining to a cultural period in Japan, c300 b.c.–a.d. c300, characterized by unglazed reddish clay pottery (Yayoiware) made on a wheel and noted for its restrained, undecorated style, haniwa figures, raised-floor dwellings, wet-rice agriculture, and the first use of bronze and iron
Word origin
[‹ Japn Yayoi site of a tumulus where the pottery was discovered in 1884]