Small Marble Glazed Meiping

Northern Song-Jin Dynasty (960-1234)

With broad flattened rim, short vertical neck and ovoid body, with striated beige and dark brown clay patterns slightly changing direction at the shoulder.

H. 7 in.

Note: This type of decorating ceramics to achieve a marble effect was known as 'jiao tai' in China and became popular in the Tang dynasty. It was achieved either by combining clays of different colors when making the vessel, or by using two contrasting slips on the surface of the vessel. The piece was then covered with a transparent glaze. The popularity of marbled wares with the Tang aristocracy was confirmed by the discovery of a small number of horses made with marbled clay among the items in the tomb of the Tang Princess Yongtai, who was given a grand re-interment in AD 706. This meiping has been made by mixing contrasting clays, and it can further be seen that the upper third and lower two-thirds, (where the direction changes), were made separately and then luted together. This would have required considerable skill on the part of the potter.

Condition: Excellent, no damage, no chips or cracks, the base rim has some black marks from firing. Not tested.