Bowl with Incised Designs

This flared bowl with notched rim dates to the Northern Song dynasty and is a specific type of white ware called Ding ware. Ding ware is named for the Ding kilns that produced them and is characterized by a smooth white paste for the body and a warm toned ivory-white glaze of smooth consistency. The soft paste allowed for incisions and impression of designs, such as the floral decoration that appears on the interior of this bowl. Leafy vine scrolls and lotus blossoms or buds are incised with soft lines in the paste beneath the glaze. The warm tone of this glaze is permeated with a distinct greenish tinge.