Xing ware
Xing ware (邢窑) refers to the high-fired white and light gray stonewares produced in the region of present-day Neiqiu and Lincheng, Hebei Province. Xing ware represents one of the earliest and most influential northern white ceramic traditions. It developed during the Sui and Tang periods and continued into the Five Dynasties and Northern Song, forming the direct technological and aesthetic foundation for later Ding ware production.
Historical Context
Xing ware emerges within the broader shift toward high-fired, standardized ceramic production in northern China during the Sui–Tang period. Documentary sources and archaeological evidence indicate wide distribution, including use in court-related environments, temples, and commercial networks. Its peak reached during the Tang dynasty, when Xing ware was recognized for its refined body and light-colored glaze surfaces.
Production continued into the Five Dynasties and early Northern Song periods, after which Ding ware became the dominant white ware tradition in the north. The relationship between the two ware groups is continuous rather than abrupt, with Ding inheriting body preparation and firing principles from Xing.
Kiln Sites
| Kiln Group | Location (Modern) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xing kilns (邢窑) | Neiqiu and Lincheng, Hebei Province | Primary production zone; archaeological excavations confirm multi-phase firing sites and large-scale output |
Excavations have identified kiln remains, wasters, saggers, and glaze-drip fragments supporting multi-century production activity.
Materials and Technical Characteristics
Body: Dense, fine-grained stoneware fired to a light gray or white color in cross-section.
Glaze: Thin, transparent or slightly opalescent glaze applied evenly to emphasize the clarity of the vessel body. The glaze contains minimal iron, producing a clean, pale surface.
Firing:
- Approx. 1200–1250°C
- Predominantly oxidation firing conditions
- Use of saggers to ensure surface stability during high-temperatures firing
The firing approach prioritizes clarity, surface evenness, and structural precision.
Forms and Decorative Principles
Forms include:
- Cups and bowls with thin walls and everted rims
- Dishes with low, controlled walls
- Small bottles and narrow-necked pouring forms
- Lidded boxes used for cosmetics or writing-related storage
Decoration is minimal. The aesthetic emphasis rests on:
- Even glaze surface
- Controlled silhouette
- Material purity and structural proportion
This priority anticipates Northern Song ceramic aesthetics.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Xing ware is significant for:
- Establishing the earliest mature tradition of northern white high-fired ceramics
- Providing the technical basis for Ding ware
- Demonstrating the emergence of aesthetic restraint later associated with Song taste
- Participating in Tang-period commercial and diplomatic circulation networks
In museum collections, Xing ware serves as a key reference for the study of white-glazed stoneware evolution.
Related Pages
References
- Li Zhiyan et al., eds. White Wares of Northern China. Chinese Academy of Arts.
- Medley, Margaret. The Chinese Potter: A Practical History of Chinese Ceramics.
- Kerr, Rose. Chinese Ceramics. Victoria and Albert Museum.