A Chinese ding yao shallow bowl

A Chinese ding yao shallow bowl, with a flaring border and unglazed rim, the centre finely incised with two ducks swimming amidst reeds and flowers, their heads tilted, Song dynasty or later, 21.5cm. By repute, property of a European private collector, purchased in the 1930s. Paper label for John Sparks Ltd. This class Song design, emblematic of fidelity and a happy marriage, is particularly associated with the ding wares from the Hebei province during the Northern Song period, and it appears on various shapes on ding bowls and dishes. Cf. The Eumorfopoulos Collection, Sotheby's, 28th May 1940, lot 126. See also R.L. Hobson, Rackham & King, Chinese Ceramics in Private Collections, p.14, fig.26 for a similar example in the Alexander Collection. Sold with no reserve