Bowl
1115-1234 (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) and Jin dynastsy (1115-1234). 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 after firing and fine texture.
In 1126 the Hebei province experienced great change as the Northern Song dynasty ended and the Jin dynasty established power. Despite such upheaval, Ding wares continued to be produced after a short interval as an ‘official ware’, meaning it was selected to supply ceramics to the court and the most elite officials in China.
From the beginning of the Jin dynasty, the characteristics of Ding ware changed slightly. Instead of the hand-incised decorations which previously adorned its surfaces, its designs began to mimic that of the metal ware of the period through the use of moulded design. This was achieved by shaping the clay over domed moulds, which gave the form of the object and impressed the inside pattern in one step. The fish pattern on this dish was probably derived from a similar pattern on a gold or silver dish. The use of moulds allowed for much more elaborate patterns and shapes in Ding ware of the Jin period.
In 1126 the Hebei province experienced great change as the Northern Song dynasty ended and the Jin dynasty established power. Despite such upheaval, Ding wares continued to be produced after a short interval as an ‘official ware’, meaning it was selected to supply ceramics to the court and the most elite officials in China.
From the beginning of the Jin dynasty, the characteristics of Ding ware changed slightly. Instead of the hand-incised decorations which previously adorned its surfaces, its designs began to mimic that of the metal ware of the period through the use of moulded design. This was achieved by shaping the clay over domed moulds, which gave the form of the object and impressed the inside pattern in one step. The fish pattern on this dish was probably derived from a similar pattern on a gold or silver dish. The use of moulds allowed for much more elaborate patterns and shapes in Ding ware of the Jin period.
Object details
Category | |
Object type | |
Materials and techniques | Stoneware, glazed and moulded |
Brief description | Bowl, moulded and glazed stoneware, Ding ware, China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234) |
Physical description | Ding ware bowl with moulded design of fish. |
Dimensions |
|
Styles | |
Credit line | Purchased with Art Fund support, the Vallentin Bequest, Sir Percival David and the Universities China Committee |
Subject depicted | |
Summary | This bowl is an example of Ding ware, made in the Hebei province of China during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127) and Jin dynastsy (1115-1234). 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 after firing and fine texture. In 1126 the Hebei province experienced great change as the Northern Song dynasty ended and the Jin dynasty established power. Despite such upheaval, Ding wares continued to be produced after a short interval as an ‘official ware’, meaning it was selected to supply ceramics to the court and the most elite officials in China. From the beginning of the Jin dynasty, the characteristics of Ding ware changed slightly. Instead of the hand-incised decorations which previously adorned its surfaces, its designs began to mimic that of the metal ware of the period through the use of moulded design. This was achieved by shaping the clay over domed moulds, which gave the form of the object and impressed the inside pattern in one step. The fish pattern on this dish was probably derived from a similar pattern on a gold or silver dish. The use of moulds allowed for much more elaborate patterns and shapes in Ding ware of the Jin period. |
Bibliographic reference | Kerr, Rose. Song Dynasty Ceramics. London: V&A Publications, 2004. p. 48, nos. 43 and 43a. |
Collection | |
Accession number | C.940-1935 |
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Record created | February 24, 2005 |
Record URL |
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