This Ding ware has moulded decoration of beautifully carved floral design incised on the interior. The central design comprises of lotus, mallow, sagittaria and a sedge-like plant that resembles a corncob. This is separated from the peony scrolls in the well of the dish, by a concentric band of scroll work. A copper binding covers the rough unglazed rim on which the bowl rested during firing.Considered 'one of the five great wares', of the Song dynasty, Ding wares are thought to have evolved from the northern whitewares of Henan and Hebei during the Tang dynasty (618-906). High quality Ding wares were produced in the 11th century and were widely imitated. The use of coal as kiln fuel and increased firing temperature gave these wares their much-prized ivory tone.
