New insights into the Jin Dynasty Ding wares based on geochemical analysis

Abstract The compositional analysis of Ding white porcelain has revealed a transition in the porcelain-making recipe between the Song and Jin dynasties. However, there has been little understanding of how this transition happened in a finer time scale. This study examined the porcelain body of Jin Dynasty Ding wares from the Jianci site, focusing on strontium isotope ratios and trace elements. The findings reveal a significant shift in composition between the early and late Jin dynasties. The early Jin Dynasty potters used dolomite flux as in the Northern Song Dynasty, while the late Jin Dynasty porcelain was likely made from raw clay without added flux. This study presents the first strontium isotope analysis of Jin dynasty Ding wares with clear kiln origins, revealing significant changes in the ceramic body composition between the early and late Jin periods.