Ding ware is one of the five great ceramic styles of the Song dynasty, and is best known for its white porcelain produced in large quantities for the Northern Song imperial court. This lot, a Ding ware plate with a cotton-rose hibiscus floral design and a scalloped rim, combines a light body with compact texture and a smooth, glossy luster. The glazing is white with a subtle tint of ivory, as is standard for Northern Song Ding ware. The plate's lip is executed in a stylized blossom shape, while its center features an engraving of a hibiscus flower broken at the stem. More commonly seen motifs are day lily or similar conventional floral patterns, giving this item an additional touch of rarity. The elegant design shows smooth and highly practiced craftsmanship, making this a fine example of the superior quality associated with Northern Song Ding ware.

MD: 10 cm