Ding Ware

Ding ware was primarily produced during the Song Dynasty (960–1279), though production began earlier during the Tang Dynasty and continued into the Jin Dynasty. The Song period represents the height of Ding ware quality, when it was designated as one of the Five Great Wares of the dynasty and used by the imperial court.

Ding ware bowls were fired upside down on their rims inside saggars to prevent warping during firing, which meant the rim could not be glazed or it would fuse to the kiln furniture. To cover the rough unglazed edge, the rims were typically fitted with a metal band, often copper, silver, or gold, depending on the status of the owner.

Ding ware was produced in Dingzhou (present-day Quyang County) in Hebei Province, northern China. The kiln complex at Jiancicun was one of the most important porcelain production sites of the Song Dynasty, and the region's name 'Ding' was applied to the distinctive white porcelain it produced.

Ding ware is known for its distinctive ivory-white or creamy white glaze, which has a slightly warm, yellowish tone rather than a pure white. This color results from the specific clay body and glaze formulation fired in the kilns at Quyang, and some rare examples also feature black or dark brown glaze.