Ding porcelain refers to the porcelain made by the Ding kilns in ancient China. Many Ding kilns have been found between the Tongtain River of Beizhen and the foot of West Mountain near Yanchuan Village in Quyang County. In ancient times, this ten kilometer region in the Hebei Province was known as Dingzhou, hence the name ‘ding porcelain’. Today, there are many craftsmen who specialize in imitating the ancient styles and techniques of ding porcelain.The Dingyao kilns were first built during the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) Dynasties. Early Ding porcelain was single coloured with limited decoration. The Ding kilns became one of the major porcelain kilns during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), along with the Junyao, Ruyao, Guanyao and Geyao kilns. Each kiln supplied porcelain ware for the royal court which was used within the imperial household or by high officials. It was famous for its off-white glazes, finely detailed engravings and imprinted patterns. After its widespread success in the Song Dynasty, the production of Ding porcelain began to decline in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Approximately twenty kilns and four ancient porcelain workshops have been uncovered in the ancient Dongzhou region.
Dingyao porcelain wares were produced through unique upside-down firing which created no glaze at the mouth of the body. The unglazed rim called “Mang Kou” was usually decorated with gold, silver and copper.
Ding porcelain comes in many unique shapes and colours and is known for its well-proportioned shades and hues. It is usually categorized by its colours which include white, black, purple, red, green and yellow. The black porcelain is pitch dark and reflects natural images from its surface. The red and purple are similar in shades and produced in small quantities. The green porcelain is the rarest type of Ding porcelain while the yellow porcelain is the most commonly found. The white porcelain is the most cherished type as its cream complexion has been given the reputation of “Ding white ware is the most beautiful white colour in the world”. Of the five famous Song kilns, Ding Kilns were the only ones to produce white porcelain.
Ding white porcelain was the most famous ceramic ware from Dingyao. There were three main styles of white porcelain which were distributed throughout China during the dynastic periods. Incised patterns were mainly used to decorate vessels from the Ding kiln’s early development. Incised curves were carved into the vessels using fine bamboo slips once the clay was nearly dry. Engraved patterns were omplemented by incised decorations. They were often used together to create contrasting, elegant designs. Impressed patterns were popular during the Northern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Impressed designs were used for decorating inside bowls and plates.
There are many porcelain wares which were created from the Ding kilns including bowls, tubs, jars, vases. Tea pots, burners, Bodhisattva figurines, Buddha figurines and toys. Each porcelain ware is handmade with the greatest care to avoid any flaws.
The Quxian County in the Hebei Province has been successful in creating elegant imitations of porcelain from the ancient Dingzhou kilns. The craftsmen have been able to reproduce over fifty varieties of Ding porcelain wares such as plates with dragon and phoenix patterns, plates with four season flowers and exquisite vases with two handles.
Ding porcelain is acknowledged for its important part in the developmental history of Chinese porcelain. Its unique firing techniques and smooth and spotless designs have influenced many modern porcelain styles seen today. It has been regarded as one of the most famous ancient porcelain styles not only in China but within the world. In 1988, Ding porcelain was nominated as a key cultural relic under state protection by the state council. The amazing porcelain wares from the Ding kilns of the Song Dynasty are now ancient artifacts, however, imitations influenced by Dingyao porcelain ware has become an art form within itself. Craftsmen are gradually uncovering the amazing and original secrets from the Ding Kilns.
