North or Central China, Northern Song (960–1127) or Jin dynasty (1115–1234) / 960–1234
Flat Dish Made of Marbled Clay
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Flat Dish Made of Marbled Clay as ceramic (North or Central China, Northern Song (960–1127) or Jin dynasty (1115–1234) · 960–1234).
This dish features lively contrasting black and beige clay marbling underneath a transparent glaze.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as Stoneware with marbled clay and transparent glaze.
The museum's collection notes: Using the marbling technique, in which light- and dark-colored clays are kneaded together ( jiaotai ; 絞胎), this dish is entirely covered with a transparent glaze, further enhancing the contrasting effect. The mixed clay technique had been used in northern China since the Tang dynasty (618–906), suggesting that potters may have attempted to imitate the effect of precious marbled glass from the ancient Near East that was traded via the Silk Road. The Keithleys acquired this dish to accompany the monumental ink drawing Poetic Pattern of Song Ware ( CMA 2020.146 ) in their collection, that was inspired by such a ceramic.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtFlat Dish Made of Marbled ClayOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.