The craft of engraving is based on the technique of scratching and it is at times applied simultaneously. For example, the outline of un-entwined or entwined branches is first engraved on the center of the bowl or plate and then complex lines are combed within the outline so as to strengthen the three-dimensional illusion. The common decoration is usually symmetrical double flowers.

The most expressive decoration of Ding porcelain is stamping. Stamping started in the middle of the Northern Song Dynasty, and it became mature in the late Northern Song Dynasty. Observed from numerous specimens, the stamping decoration of Ding ware appears to have derived from Dingzhou Kesi, a type of weaving done by the tapestry method used in fine silks and gold thread. The patterns of Kesi were partly transplanted to the porcelain.

Song Dynasty Hornless-dragon stamping plate of Ding kiln. Height 4.7cm, caliber 23cm, foot diameter 10.8cm

Stamping decorations were usually floral images of peony, locus, and chrysanthemum. There are also some animal images which include cattle, deer, Kylin and flying dragons. The pattern of flying dragons is commonly decorated on horizontal porcelain such as plates, saucers and bowls and it is also found on the center of porcelains with auspicious clouds surrounding. There is usually one dragon on one piece, and two symmetrical dragons have not been found. The decoration can also include birds such as the peacock, phoenix, egret, mandarin duck, wild goose and duck, and they are often presented together with flowers. For example, a peacock often appears together with peony.

The stamped porcelain of Ding kiln are the most representative of white stamped porcelains from the Song Dynasty, and it has influenced kilns from the north and south.

Upside-Down Firing Craft

Upside-down firing is one of the firing methods used in the Song Dynasty and was first used in Ding kiln. This method has greatly affected both the celadon and white porcelain in the north and south. Before the craft had been invented, Ding kiln used saggars to hold the porcelain and there was only one piece of porcelain per saggar. After the invention of upside-down firing, saggars made up of backup rings replaced the common saggars. Since each height of the backup ring is one fifth of that of one whole saggar, the same kiln could produce more porcelain with the same fuel each time, which is why the upside-down firing method was widely used.