A pair of Xingyao-type square dishes (Liao dynasty, 907-1125)

Description

One moulded as a chrysanthemum bloom with highly defined leaves radiating from a central flower forming the shallow and flaring sides of the dish, the other moulded with a central medaillon of a flying dragon and blossoming peony to each of the four sides.

Xing ware was produced in the Xing kilns in the northern province of Hebei. It can be regarded as a predecessor of Ding ware. Rose Kerr discusses Xing ware in her book ‘Song Dynasty Ceramics’: ‘The great fame of Xing ware rests in its designation as the earliest true porcelain made in China, and hence in the world. […] Xing wares are the whitest of early northern porcelains, both as regards body and glaze.’ (Kerr, R. Song Dynasty Ceramics, Victoria and Albert Museum Far Eastern Series, London 2004, p40)

For a single similar Lindong ware square dish see ‘Song Ceramics from the Kwan Collection’, catalogue from the Hong Kong Museum of Art exhibition 22 July to 11 September 1994, pl. 193, p. 422.