Description: Of rectangular section, standing on four tapering pillared feet, the body carved with archaistic designs of fable masks between “Kuel” dragons, 'Taotie' masks decorating the legs, rising to a sharply-cut raised mouth rim flanked by two angular ears.
Style of: Song, possibly considerably older, age determination uncertain
Height: 14cm (with ears), Length: 12cm
The calcination implies great age of the Ding, as well as the jade processing method. Similar to bronze Dings of same period.
W.Watson, Ancient Chinese Bronzes, pg.96. Orientations June 1989, pg.63, fig.96. http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2006/fine-chinese-ceramics-and-works-of-art-hk0229/lot.1757.html