Bowl thumbnail 1
Bowl thumbnail 2
+1
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Ceramics, Room 137, The Curtain Foundation Gallery

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.


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
  • Diameter: 20.2cm
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

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

Record createdFebruary 24, 2005
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest