Xrf Characterization of a White Ding-type Vase (定窑): Glaze and Ceramic Body Composition in the Context of Twelfth-century Northern Chinese Porcelain Technology
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This paper presents the results of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis of a carved white Ding-type vase from a private research collection of Chinese ceramics. The investigation was conducted on two areas of the vessel: the glazed exterior surface and the unglazed foot ring. The analytical results reveal a clear chemical differentiation between the glaze and the ceramic body. The glazed surface is characterized by elevated concentrations of calcium (4.431 wt.% Ca), magnesium (3.42 wt.% Mg), and silicon (36.98 wt.% Si), whereas the unglazed base shows higher concentrations of aluminum (10.74 wt.% Al) and titanium (4340 ppm Ti). Both analyzed areas exhibit extremely low lead concentrations (35 ppm and 54 ppm respectively), confirming the use of a lead-free high-fired ceramic technology. The glaze composition corresponds to a calcium-magnesium silicate system characteristic of traditional white Ding ware. The analytical data are consistent with published archaeometric studies of Ding kiln ceramics and demonstrate the technological characteristics of northern Chinese high-fired porcelain production. Keywords: Ding ware, Dingyao, Northern Song Dynasty, Jin Dynasty, Chinese porcelain, XRF analysis, archaeometry, ceramic technology, calcium glaze, white ware. 1. Introduction Ding ware (定窑) represents one of the most important achievements of Chinese ceramic production during the Northern Song and Jin periods. Produced in the Dingzhou region of Hebei Province, Ding porcelain became renowned for its refined white body, elegant ivory-toned glaze, and sophisticated carved decoration. Among the most characteristic decorative motifs of Ding ceramics are lotus petals, peonies, and finely executed vegetal scrolls carved before glazing. The technical excellence of these wares reflects a highly developed ceramic tradition based on carefully selected raw materials and controlled high-temperature firing. Recent archaeometric studies have demonstrated the importance of compositional analysis for understanding the technological foundations of Ding production, particularly the relationship between glaze chemistry and ceramic body composition. The present study investigates the chemical composition of a carved white vase with lotus decoration through portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, with the objective of characterizing both glaze and body materials and documenting the technological features of the vessel. 2. Description of the Object The investigated vessel is registered in the research archive under the inventory number: SS-DING-VAS-005-SN The vase exhibits the following morphological characteristics: Globular body; Tall expanding neck; Two raised horizontal collar rings; Deeply carved vegetal scroll decoration; Lower frieze composed of large lotus petals. The decorative motifs were executed prior to glazing and remain clearly visible beneath the glaze layer. The surface is covered with a creamy-white glaze of warm ivory tone. Slight variations in color intensity occur within recessed decorative areas, corresponding to local variations in glaze thickness. The base consists of an unglazed foot ring exposing a light beige ceramic body. The overall morphology corresponds closely to the classical tradition of Ding white ware produced during the twelfth century. 3. Materials and Methods The vessel was analyzed using portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (pXRF) with a Geochem (3-Beam) Extra analyzer. Analytical conditions: Measurement time: 30 seconds; Non-destructive in situ analysis; Geochem (3-Beam) Extra mode. Two analytical points were examined: Measurement No. 8 (“White Vase”) Glazed exterior surface of the vessel. Measurement No. 9 (“White Vase Base”) Unglazed foot ring representing the ceramic body. Concentrations are reported in weight percent and parts per million (ppm). 4. Results Table 1. Principal Elemental Composition Element Glazed Surface Unglazed Base Si 36.98% 22.97% Al 7.56% 10.74% Ca 4.431% 0.861% K 1.461% 1.768% Mg 3.42% n.d. Fe 6320 ppm 6530 ppm Ti 2140 ppm 4340 ppm Rb 62 ppm 65 ppm Sr 147 ppm 138 ppm Zr 252 ppm 298 ppm Pb 35 ppm 54 ppm The analytical results demonstrate a pronounced chemical contrast between the glaze and the ceramic body. The most notable difference is observed in calcium concentration, which is more than five times higher in the glazed area than in the ceramic body. 5. Glaze Composition The glazed surface is characterized by the following elemental concentrations: Si = 36.98%; Ca = 4.431%; Mg = 3.42%; K = 1.461%. This combination indicates a calcium-magnesium silicate glaze produced under high-temperature firing conditions. Particularly significant is the simultaneous presence of calcium and magnesium as major fluxing agents within the glaze system. These components play an important role in promoting vitrification and the formation of a transparent glassy surface. The high silicon concentration reflects the dominance of the silicate glass phase responsible for the characteristic appearance of the glaze. 6. Ceramic Body Composition The unglazed foot ring exhibits elevated concentrations of aluminum and titanium relative to the glaze. The principal values are: Al = 10.74%; Ti = 4340 ppm; Fe = 6530 ppm. Compared with the glaze, the ceramic body contains: higher aluminum concentrations; higher titanium concentrations; significantly lower calcium concentrations. This elemental distribution reflects the technological differentiation between the refractory ceramic body and the vitreous glaze layer. 7. Lead-Free Ceramic Technology One of the most significant outcomes of the investigation is the extremely low concentration of lead. Measured values are: 35 ppm Pb in the glaze; 54 ppm Pb in the ceramic body. These concentrations are trace-level values and differ fundamentally from lead-glazed low-fired ceramic systems. The data demonstrate the use of a lead-free high-temperature porcelain technology. 8. Technological Interpretation The analytical data reveal a coherent ceramic technology composed of: A silica-rich vitrified glaze. Calcium-based fluxes. Magnesium-bearing glaze components. An aluminosilicate ceramic body. Lead-free glaze technology. High-temperature firing. The chemical separation between glaze and body indicates the deliberate use of technologically distinct materials during manufacture. Particularly noteworthy is the reduced titanium concentration in the glaze relative to the ceramic body, reflecting the selective enrichment and depletion of elements characteristic of advanced porcelain production. 9. Comparison with Published Archaeometric Studies The analytical characteristics observed in the vase correspond closely to the technological features documented in archaeometric studies of Ding ware: Calcium-rich glaze chemistry; Presence of magnesium as a significant fluxing component; Lower titanium concentrations in glaze than in body; Lead-free high-fired ceramic technology; Clear compositional differentiation between glaze and ceramic body. The simultaneous occurrence of calcium and magnesium is especially significant and corresponds to the compositional characteristics documented for historical northern Chinese white porcelain. The morphological characteristics of the vase, including carved lotus decoration, raised collar rings, globular body, and ivory-white glaze, are fully compatible with the technological profile identified through XRF analysis. 10. Conclusion Portable X-ray fluorescence analysis of the carved white Ding-type vase SS-DING-VAS-005-SN established the following technological characteristics: The glaze contains elevated concentrations of calcium (4.431 wt.%) and magnesium (3.42 wt.%), forming a calcium-magnesium silicate glaze system. The ceramic body contains higher concentrations of aluminum (10.74 wt.%) and titanium (4340 ppm). Calcium concentration in the glaze is more than five times greater than that of the ceramic body. Lead occurs only at trace levels, confirming a lead-free high-fired manufacturing technology. The distribution of major and trace elements corresponds to the technological characteristics associated with traditional Ding ware production. General Conclusion: The XRF data demonstrate a technologically integrated ceramic system consisting of a calcium-magnesium silicate glaze, an aluminosilicate porcelain body, and lead-free high-temperature firing technology. The analytical results provide a comprehensive archaeometric characterization of the vase and document the principal technological features of the Ding ceramic tradition. References Cui, J., Wood, N., Qin, D., et al. (2012). Chemical Analysis of White Porcelains from the Ding Kiln Site, Hebei Province, China. Journal of Archaeological Science, 39(4), 818-827. Cui, J., Qin, D., Li, X., Zhou, L. (2012). Chemical Analysis and Comparative Study of Some White Porcelain Sherds from the Ding, Xing and Gongyi Kiln Sites. Sciences of Conservation and Archaeology, 24(4). Kingery, W. D., Vandiver, P. B., Prickett, M. (1988). The Beginnings of Pyrotechnology, Part II: Production and Use of Lime and Gypsum Plaster in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic Near East. Journal of Field Archaeology. National Palace Museum, Taipei. The Decorated Porcelains of Dingzhou: White Ding Wares from the Collection of the National Palace Museum. Taipei. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bottle Vase, Ding Ware, Northern Song Dynasty, Accession No. 1991.253.14. Christie's. A Very Rare Ding White-Glazed Foliate-Rim Vase, Song Dynasty (960-1279). Zacke Auction. A Rare Dingyao Carved Lotus Foliate-Rimmed Vase (Huakouping), Northern Song–Jin Dynasty.
Author: Dronova, Nona
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7225247774
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