Bowl
1050-1127 (made)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This bowl is an example of Ding ware, made in the Hebei province of China during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). Ding wares were of the earliest true porcelains made in China, and the world. The term porcelain is applied to ceramics made from a mixture containing a clay called kaolin and a white stone called petuntse, which was fired at high temperatures. Porcelains differ from other ceramics in their impermeability, whiteness and fine texture.
This bowl is typical of Ding wares in its ivory-white hue and incised decoration. The use of coal instead of firewood in the Ding kilns also created a higher firing temperature and an ideal oxidising atmosphere, perfect for the production of ivory white Ding porcelain. The exterior is carved with an abstract lotus leaf pattern, and the inside with lotus flowers. The lotus was strongly associated with Buddhism, and was a popular motif in this period. It is possible the bowl, due to its size and decoration, was utilised in Buddhist rituals.
This bowl is typical of Ding wares in its ivory-white hue and incised decoration. The use of coal instead of firewood in the Ding kilns also created a higher firing temperature and an ideal oxidising atmosphere, perfect for the production of ivory white Ding porcelain. The exterior is carved with an abstract lotus leaf pattern, and the inside with lotus flowers. The lotus was strongly associated with Buddhism, and was a popular motif in this period. It is possible the bowl, due to its size and decoration, was utilised in Buddhist rituals.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Stoneware, carved and incised |
Brief description | Bowl, carved and incised stoneware, Ding ware, China, Northern Song dynasty, 1050-1127 |
Physical description | Large bowl carved lotus-petal design outside and incised lotus flowers inside, Ding ware. |
Dimensions |
|
Styles | |
Gallery label | Large bowl with lotus petals design
Northern Song-Jin dynasty
1050-1150
Ding kilns, north China
Stoneware with white glaze
Museum no. C.217-1926(2007) |
Object history | It was purchased in 1926 from Bernard Rackham. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This bowl is an example of Ding ware, made in the Hebei province of China during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). Ding wares were of the earliest true porcelains made in China, and the world. The term porcelain is applied to ceramics made from a mixture containing a clay called kaolin and a white stone called petuntse, which was fired at high temperatures. Porcelains differ from other ceramics in their impermeability, whiteness and fine texture. This bowl is typical of Ding wares in its ivory-white hue and incised decoration. The use of coal instead of firewood in the Ding kilns also created a higher firing temperature and an ideal oxidising atmosphere, perfect for the production of ivory white Ding porcelain. The exterior is carved with an abstract lotus leaf pattern, and the inside with lotus flowers. The lotus was strongly associated with Buddhism, and was a popular motif in this period. It is possible the bowl, due to its size and decoration, was utilised in Buddhist rituals. |
Bibliographic references |
|
Collection | |
Accession number | C.217-1926 |
About this object record
Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.
Suggest feedback
Record created | February 24, 2005 |
Record URL |
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest