Mold for a Bowl. Culture: China. Dimensions: Diam. 5 1/2 in. (14 cm). Date: 11th-12th century.Molds such as this one were widely used in ceramic production in north China, particularly after the eleventh century, and are thought to have become common in an attempt to meet the growing demands for ceramic of various types at the time. As can be seen in the model bowl made using this mold, the clay was fitted over the mold in order to impress a design prior to covering the bowl with clay and firing it. Use of molds allowed for faster production than the hand-shaped and hand-carved decoration used earlier. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.