Ewer with lobed body

Title
Ewer with lobed body
Year/Period
Liao dynasty, 11th or 12th century
Region
Hebei province, China
Object Type
Dimension
Object size: 11.2 x 9.1 x 6.9 cm
Accession No.
2020-00343
Credit Line
Gift of Dr Kenson Kwok

This ewer with a gently-lobed body is affixed with a twisted rope handle that separates into two straps terminating in sprig-moulded floral panels. Ewers of such a form are associated with the Ding kilns in Hebei province, which were esteemed as one of the “Five Great Kilns” during the Song dynasty (960–1279) for their ivory-white porcelain wares. The design of this ewer is thought to have been inspired by a ripening melon hanging from its stem, with the applique panels issuing from the straps imitating leaves.