Northern Song Dynasty Ding Ware Black-glaze Bowl with Flower Design

A Basin fired at the Ding Kiln during the Northern Song Dynasty. Black-glazed ware from the Ding Kiln reached its pinnacle during the Northern Song era; its beauty, reminiscent of lacquer, earned it the names "Black Ding" or "Ink Ding". It was so highly prized that Xiang Molin, in his "Illustrated Catalogue of Famous Ceramics Through the Ages" (Lidai Mingci Tupu), remarked that he had "seen but a single vessel" of this type. The vessel features a slightly lozenge-shaped form with a curved, petal-like rim; its thin walls offer a pleasing tactile quality that reveals the delicacy of the craftsmanship. It stands on a sturdy, deep foot, with the base left unglazed to expose the clay body. The interior features a relief design of a flower enclosed within a lozenge shape, accented by surrounding foliage. The design is framed by linear patterns, while the area near the rim is decorated with a distinct floral motif. The relief carving allows the white porcelain body to show through where the glaze runs thin, creating the striking contrast characteristic of Black Ding ware. There is no conspicuous flaws. It has good luster throughout and is in good condition.*The exposed clay on the inner side of the foot is simply where no glaze was applied; it is not a defect or damage.