A molded Ding-type 'phoenix' bowl, Late Ming / early Qing dynasty | 明末 / 清初 定窰式白釉印穿花鳳紋盌

Given the prestige and high value bestowed on Ding wares, as early as the 14th century, the potters of Jingdezhen ably produced forms in homage to the famous ware. The skill required to recreate Ding ware was considerable and those who succeeded gained an element of fame. Zhou Danquan, active in the 16th -17th century, is mentioned in the Jingdezhen Taolu, noting that his wares, 'were so close to the originals as to be without parallel.' One piece considered to be a late Ming replacement, from the Sir Percival David Collection and now in the British Museum, London is illustrated in Margaret Medley, Illustrated Catalogue of Ting and Allied Wares, Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art, London, 1980, pl. 58.