This Ding dish belongs to a group of fine whiteware of the Song dynasty. The central design on interior of the dish comprises two incised fishes amidst waves. To confine the decoration to the centre and undecorated walls is an incised ring. The shiny and creamy ivory glaze fills and deepens the grooves on the dish to give it a sense of fluidity. A copper band is used on the mouthrim.Ding kilns in Hebei province were the first to start production of these whiteware during the Tang dynasty (618-906). The use of coal and high firing temperature gave Ding wares their much prized ivory tone. These dishes were also characterised by the use of metal rims, a popular practice of decorating materials such as ivory during this period. For this reason, Ding wares were favoured and used at court.
