The octagonal lobed ovoid body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall trumpet neck, set at the shoulder with a tall curved spout and to the other side with a tall strap handle, the dished cover surmounted with a ruyi-shaped finial, covered overall in a creamy-white glaze. Compared to other similar types of Northern Song Dynasty ceramics, this piece is extremely elegant in shape. It most closely resembles the Qingbai porcelain in the collection of The Museum of Oriental Ceramics in Osaka.
Period : Northern Song dynasty(960~1127)
Type : Creamy-white Ding yao glaze Ewer
Provenance : Acquired in 1999, Hongkong
Height : 25.5cm
Condition : Excellent (The lid has been repaired. The main body is in perfect condition)
Reference : THE MET Accession Number: 18.57.1 (https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/49214)
Sotheby's London 2018 <St George Street Sale> Asian Art Lot 208
* Song Dynasty Ding-Yao Ware
Song Dynasty Ding Yao porcelain holds a significant place in Chinese ceramic art, specifically as a type of white porcelain produced during the Song Dynasty. Produced predominantly during the mid to late Song Dynasty, Ding Yao ceramics are renowned for their delicate and intricate features.
Ding Yao ceramics were primarily crafted from clay rich in white minerals and fired at high temperatures to achieve a durable and lustrous surface. One distinctive characteristic of this serene white ceramic is the presence of silver or gold-colored splashes of glaze, often created using a mineral called galena. Galena, with its lustrous appearance, was suitable for creating fine patterns and intricate decorations.
These ceramics frequently feature delicate carvings, floral motifs, or subtle decorations. While commonly used for utilitarian purposes such as tableware, Ding Yao porcelain also served as a medium for artistic expression, producing many artworks. The production of Ding Yao ceramics was relatively limited, and surviving pieces are considered rare and valuable art pieces today.
Ding Yao porcelain occupies a crucial position in the history of Chinese ceramic art, offering insights into the artistic and technological achievements of the Song Dynasty. The surviving pieces of Ding Yao ceramics are highly prized as they provide a glimpse into the artistic and technological achievements of the Song Dynasty.
