Ewer, Northern Song dynasty, 1000-1100. Ding kilns, north China. Stoneware with white glaze. Height: 15 cm. Museum no.C.615-1918. Aubrey Le Blond gift [2007] © V&A Images

This ewer was made during the Song dynasty (960-1279), the classical period in the history of Chinese ceramics. Kilns appeared in all parts of China, each kiln with its own specialized products. Centuries later they were much sought after by collectors. A systematic classification of the different wares was already well established in the 1400s, whereby ceramics were named after the town in which the kilns operated. The best known wares are Ru, Ding, Jun, Yaozhou, Cizhou, Yue, Guan, Longquan and Qingbai. This piece is a Ding ware. 

This ewer was found in Korea. 

Bibliographic References: Kerr, Rose. Song Dynasty Ceramics. London: V&A Publications, 2004. p. 12, no. 4.