Dark glazed bowl decorated with plum blossom shaped paper cuts appliqué, Jizhou ware, Song Dynasty (960-1279) [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Western Xia Kingdom (1038-1227) was a nomadic regime active in northwestern China from the 11th to 13th centuries. The kingdom boasted a thriving ceramics industry that produced white glazed ceramics and black glazed ones with engraved motifs. Its representative works include flat kettles, single-eared pots, multiple-handle bottles and tent hooks, all of which reflect the kingdom’s nomadic culture.

Edited based on articles published on Cultural Relics World, Vols 333 and 334