Kiln Background: Ding Ware, the Apex of White Porcelain
The Ding kilns, located in modern-day Quyang, Hebei province, were renowned for producing white porcelain described as "white as jade, thin as paper, and resonant as a chime." During the Song and Jin dynasties, their products were selected for imperial use. Under the Jin, the Ding kilns continued to produce high-quality wares for the ruling elite, and it was during this period that the technology of using molds for decoration reached its zenith. This technique not only increased production efficiency but also allowed for the creation of decorative schemes that were more regular, complex, and finely detailed than what could be achieved by hand-carving.
Form and Craftsmanship: Regularity and Refinement
Measuring approximately 16 x 16 x 1.8 cm, this dish is regular in form and exquisitely crafted, exhibiting classic features of Ding ware.
Form: The dish has a twelve-lobed foliate rim, gently flaring from a shallow, curved well and a flat base with a foot ring. The well is also molded with twelve corresponding ribs (IMG_6839.jpg), making the entire vessel resemble a blooming flower and showcasing a sophisticated design sensibility.
The Base and Body: The base (IMG_6836.jpg, IMG_6838.jpg) features a classic shallow foot ring, which is unglazed. This "bare ring" (sequan) exposes the signature Ding ware body: a fine, pure white clay with a texture like fine sugar or flour. This feature is a result of the "inverted firing" (fushao) technique, where bowls and dishes were fired upside down on stepped saggars. This method significantly increased kiln capacity and is one of the most distinctive technical hallmarks of the Ding kilns.
"Tear Drops": On the exterior of the dish, accumulations of glaze that have run down the sides, forming tear-like drops, can be observed. These "tear drops" (leiken) are an important diagnostic feature of Ding ware, caused by slight irregularities in the glaze application or its flow during firing.
The Art of the Mold: An Analysis of a Jin Dynasty Ding Ware Molded 'Boys' Dish
Molded Boys Dish
Era
Jin Dynasty
Kiln
Ding kilns
Glaze
Ivory-white glaze
Ivory-white glaze
SIZE
1.8
x
16
x
16
CM
This Jin Dynasty Ding ware dish, with its molded "boys at play" motif and foliate rim, is a canonical masterpiece from the peak era of Ding ware white porcelain. With its exquisitely molded decoration, lively subject matter, pure white body, and warm, ivory-toned glaze, it perfectly interprets the superlative craftsmanship and courtly aesthetic taste of the Ding kilns, one of the "Five Great Wares" of the Song and Jin periods. This dish is not only a beautiful object for use and display but also a crucial artifact for the study of Ding ware molding technology and the broader cultural context of the Song-Jin era (1115-1234 CE).
Analysis of the Decoration: The Lively 'Boys at Play' Motif
The decoration on this dish was created entirely using a mold, resulting in a crisp and beautifully detailed pattern (IMG_6833.jpg) that is representative of the best Jin Dynasty Ding ware.
Main Motif: 'Boys at Play' (Yingxi): The central medallion features the "boys at play" motif. A plump and cheerful boy is depicted playing amidst a dense ground of blooming peonies and lotus flowers (IMG_6834.jpg, IMG_6835.jpg). The boy, with his hair tied in double topknots and a gentle smile, is charmingly rendered. The "boys at play" theme was a highly popular auspicious motif during the Song and Jin periods, carrying wishes for numerous sons, wealth, and high rank.
The Molding Technique: The lines of the decoration are clear, fluid, and have a distinct three-dimensional, relief-like quality. Every detail, from the boy's facial features and the folds of his clothing to the veins on the flower petals, is meticulously rendered. This is a testament to the masterly skill of the Ding artisans in both mold-carving and the pressing process.
Glaze Quality: The vessel is covered in a warm, ivory-white glaze. The color is a creamy white with a slight yellowish tint, and the sheen is soft and unctuous, like fine jade, providing an elegant backdrop that enhances the molded decoration.
A Microscopic Glimpse into the Glaze and Body
Under high magnification, we can observe the subtle characteristics of the Ding glaze and body:
Glaze Structure: The Ding glaze is highly vitreous (glassy) and relatively thin, with only small and sparse bubbles (IMG_6840.jpg). This clarity allows the molded decoration on the body to be seen with exceptional crispness.
The Body: Microscopic observation of the exposed body on the base (IMG_6841.jpg, IMG_6843.jpg) reveals its extremely fine particles, dense structure, and high degree of vitrification. It is this high-quality porcelain body that provided the material foundation for the famed "thin as paper" quality of Ding ware.
Black/Brown Impurities: Scattered within the glaze and body are some tiny black or brown specks (IMG_6842.jpg). These are particles of iron, manganese, or other minerals that were not fully purified from the clay or glaze and fired to a dark color. These are a common and natural feature of authentic ancient Ding wares.
Conclusion
This Jin Dynasty Ding ware molded "boys at play" dish, with its impeccable craftsmanship, exquisitely detailed decoration, and warm, jade-like glaze, is a canonical masterpiece of Ding white porcelain. It integrates the most mature molding and firing technologies of the Ding kilns and vividly reflects the aesthetic tastes and cultural aspirations of Jin Dynasty society. From its complex design to its fine-grained body, every detail of this dish proclaims the extraordinary quality and artistic achievement of one of China's "Five Great Wares."