Flat Dish Made of Marbled Clay
Unknown Artist
960–1234
Medium
Stoneware with marbled clay and transparent glaze
Dimensions
{"diameter":{"width":0.168},"height":{"height":0.025}}
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift
Accession Number
2020.187
About this artwork
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 mon...