Gourd-Shaped Vase, 11th century, 5 x 9-7/16 x 9-7/16 in. (12.7 x 24.0 x 24.0 cm), Ding-type ware Porcelaneous stoneware with incised design under a transparent glaze, China, 11th century, The Liao state (916-1125) was founded by non-Chinese Khitans in the northeast periphery of the Tang empire. The nomadic Khitans had no glazed pottery tradition, but they occupied territory that had kilns and they soon employed Chinese potters and sponsored ceramic production. Liao ceramics were rather limited in scope, including white porcelain, white stonewares, and lead green, yellow, and brown glazes that loosely paralleled Tang (618-906) and Song (960-1279) styles, including san cai (three-color) ware.