Tea bowl and bowl stand, Northern Song dynasty, 1000-1100, Ding kilns, north China. Stoneware with brown glaze. [Bowl] Diameter: 11.5 cm - [Stand] Diameter: 11 cm. Museum no. C.603-1918. Aubrey Le Blond Gift [2007] © V&A Images

This bowl and stand are examples of Ding ware, made in the Hebei province of China during the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). Ding wares were of the earliest true porcelains made in China, and the world. The term porcelain is applied to ceramics made from a mixture containing a clay called kaolin and a white stone called petuntse, which was fired at high temperatures. Porcelains differ from other ceramics in their impermeability, whiteness after firing and fine texture. 

While most Ding wares are characterised by their ivory-white tone, a few examples have black, brown and green glazes. The aubergine-brown colour of this bowl and its stand is known as ‘purple Ding’, and a rare find. Despite having such a different appearance in colour, they are still characteristic of Ding ware in their bright white bodies and burnished glaze. 

Bibliographic References: Kerr, Rose. Song Dynasty Ceramics. London: V&A Publications, 2004. p. 47, no. 40.