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Prehistoric Thai Ceramics: Ban Chiang in Regional Cultural Perspective by Armand J. Labbe

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 4, 2008
 in the Thai (Siam) category
. 0 Comments

Prehistoric Thai Ceramics: Ban Chiang in Regional Cultural Perspective, by Labbe, Armand J.

This is the first comprehensive book of its kind in English, focused exclusively on pottery – the technology, production and artistic development – in Thailand in prehistory. Spanning the period from about 2200 BC to 500 AD, a rich repertoire of pottery working techniques, forms and decorative schemes is uncovered. This book examines pottery production in the Northeast, Central and Southeast seabord regions of Thailand. Differences and similarities in production are noted by site, region and chronology. Lavishly illustrated with color plates, maps and charts.

Published: 1st Edition, Thailand 2002.
ISBN: 9744800208
Paperback: 168 pages
Published: White Lotus Co Ltd (September 1, 2007)
ISBN-10: 9744800208
ISBN-13: 978-9744800206

Elegant Form and Harmonious Decoration: Four Dynasties of Jingdezhen Porcelain by Rosemary E. Scott

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 4, 2008
 in the Imperial Chinese Porcelain category
. 0 Comments

Elegant Form & Harmonious Decoration: Four Dynasties of Jingdezhen Porcelain (Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art: Colloquies on Art AndArchaeology in Asia)

Catalog of the anniversary exhibition at the Foundation, June-Sept. 1992. An excellent work illustrating objects from the Percival David Foundation and the private collection of Mr. C.P. Lin. Both collections predominantly contain fine Imperial wares and it is these porcelains that reflect the tastes and interests of the Chinese court.

Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art: Colloquies on Art and Archaeology in Asia., London 1992.
Hardcover: 175 pages, 200 objects depicted in color.
Publisher: Art Media Resources Ltd (June 1992)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 981003721X
ISBN-13: 978-9810037215
Product Dimensions: 12.5 x 9.5 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds


Chinese Pottery and Porcelain by Li, Chih-yen and Ch’eng Wen

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 4, 2008
 in the Chinese Ceramics category
. 0 Comments

Translated from Chinese, the work provides an overview of the history of Chinese pottery and porcelain and their place in other cultures. It also provides a list of important ancient kilns in China, arranged by name of kiln, location, dates, products and bibliography.

Chinese Pottery and Porcelain, by Li, Chih-yen and Ch’eng Wen
Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 1984.

Chinese Porcelains of the Seventeenth Century: Landscapes, Scholar’s Motifs and Narratives by Julia B. Curtis

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 4, 2008
 in the Transitional 1620-1683 category
. 0 Comments

Chinese Porcelains of the Seventeenth Century: Landscapes, Scholars’ Motifs and Narratives

Catalog of an exhibition at China Institute Gallery, New York, it describes porcelains made at Jingdezhen between 1630 and 1700, focusing on the motifs of landscapes, scholar’s pursuits and the influence of Chinese landscape painting on the decoration of ceramics.

Paperback: 168 pages
Publisher: China Institute in America, New York 1995.
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0295974672
ISBN-13: 978-0295974675
Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds


Chinese Copper Red Wares by Rosemary Scott (Ed.)

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 4, 2008
 in the Glaze and Pottery Technique category
. 0 Comments

Chinese Copper Red Wares (Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art monograph series ; no. 3), edited by Rosemary E. Scott.

Scholarly and scientific studies on Chinese copper red ware, its evolution and development, the micro structure and the glaze.
London: The Foundation, 1992.


Chinese Ceramics of the Transitional Period: 1620-1683 by Stephen Little

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 4, 2008
 in the Transitional 1620-1683 category
. 0 Comments

Chinese Ceramics of the Transitional Period: 1620-1683, by Stephen Little
(New York, 1983)

Exhibition catalog. One of the earlier books that specifically tried to deal with the Ming / Qing Transitional period. Quite interesting and with some good explanations of porcelain motifs of the period and quite some attention spent on explaining the last decades of the Ming dynasty. Recommend as good and interesting. A bit too thin though, to be enough to cover this period.

JE


Vietnamese Ceramics: A Separate Tradition by John Stevenson, & Guy John

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 3, 2008
 in the Vietnam category
. 0 Comments

Vietnamese Ceramics: A Separate Tradition

Vietnamese ceramics exhibit a unique combination of indigenous creativity plus elements derived from other cultures such as China, Cambodia, Champa, and India. Decorative motifs, glaze types, production methods, perhaps even attitudes toward potting, differed distinctly from those of China. Using excellent clay from the Red River Valley — smooth, homogenous, gray-white-the Vietnamese created the most sophisticated ceramics in South-east Asia. The most definitive study of Vietnamese ceramics to date, this volume is a collaborative effort from experts around the world, including Vietnam, Japan, England, France, and the United States. Tracing the history and development of Vietnamese ceramics, the scholars examine the kiln sites of Vietnam, study techniques, and systematically categorize the field according to different traditions that had profound influence on the production of ceramics in Vietnam.

A superbly written and well produced book. Highly interesting and one that I personally find interesting to read together with other books, on for example Thai ceramics, for a better understanding of this South Chinese coastal area trade region and their ceramics.

JE

Format: Hardcover, 422 pages
Published: 1997, USA, 1st Edition
ISBN: 9781878529220

Straits Chinese Porcelain by Kee, Ming-Yuet

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 2, 2008
 in the Straits Chinese Porcelain category
. 0 Comments

Straits Chinese Porcelain

Straits Chinese Porcelain: A Celebration of a Unique Malaysian Heritage Showcasing the Datin Seri Kee Ming-Yuet Collection, by Ming-Yuet Kee, is quite a large book with its 28×30 cm impressive frame.

This lavishly illustrated book is a celebration to “Straits Chinese Porcelain as a Malaysian heritage”. This heavily sponsored publication is a catalog of the personal collection of Datin Seri Kee Ming-Yuet, who is also the author. The authentication of the porcelain is credited Professor Qin Xi Lin and Dr. Cao Jian Wen of the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute.

The book features more than 150 pieces dating from the late Qing dynasty and the early years of the Republic are featured. Among them are plates, tea sets, wine warmers, jugs, teapots and bedroom sets. Most of them in undisputed Straits Chinese decoration while a few more general export patterns also have got some recognition. Each piece is accompanied by a detailed description, which are quite interesting both for the porcelain collectors as well as those wanting to become more familiar with the Baba Nyonya culture of the Malaccan peninsula.

Beside some patriotic slants in perspective the book contains quite a lot of information of this unique type of porcelain, its history and decoration. The full color photographic illustrations are stunning of the shapes and decorations that the author chooses to show. The only week point I can think of is that the definition of what constitutes Straits Chinese porcelain could have been tighter. Some of the undisputed glory of this magnificent ware is thus maybe not coming to its right but despite this, the book is an excellent starting point.

Format: Hardcover, 227 pages
Published: 2004, Malaysia, 1st Edition
ISBN: 9789833214020

Song Dynasty Ceramics by Rose Kerr

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 2, 2008
 in the Song Dynasty category
. 0 Comments

Song Dynasty Ceramics by Rose KerrSong Dynasty Ceramics (Victoria & Albert Museum Far Eastern)

I would say that this is currently the number one book on Song ceramics right now. This volume highlights over 118 objects from the Victoria & Albert Museum’s magnificent collection to discuss China’s great age of ceramic production (1960-1279). The book is illustrated with many of the finest examples of Song ware in the Western world, many of which look astonishingly modern. The text, including research never before published in English, is complemented by newly taken photos.

The V&A’s collection of Song Dynasty ceramics ranges from rare and precious items to many interesting study pieces. In the last twenty years new research in China has led to a great expansion in knowledge about this fascinating ear. Rose Kerr has traveled to China annually and has brought together in this book the fruits of this research, much of it now published in the West for the first time. She uses it to provide context for the remarkable pieces illustrated here, and to bring the subject up-to-date for an English-speaking audience.

Rose Kerr are the former deputy keeper of the Asian department at the V&A Museum and is a much appreciated world authority on Song ceramics.

Format: Hardcover, 128 pages
Published: 2004, United Kingdom, 1st Edition
ISBN: 1851774157

Ceramics in Scholarly Taste by Maura Rinaldi

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on April 2, 2008
 in the Chinese Ceramics category
. 0 Comments

Ceramics in Scholarly Taste

This book is a catalog from a Southeast Asian Ceramic Society exhibition in Singapore 1993. It is a very interesting review from a Chinese Scholars point of view about small items made for his desk. They are very nice and sophisticated and from a western point of view hard to understand and to identify properly. There are seal past boxes, brush rests, brush pots, water droppers, wrists rest, ink slabs and brush washers etc. If you like small and sophisticated Chinese porcelain collector’s items, this book is for you. I find it very interesting myself and to read it through is well spend time in pleasant company with the well known and accomplished scholar Maura Rinaldi as your guide. She is as you might recognize also the author of the standard reference work “Kraak Porcelain”, also mentioned on this list. The items span from the Song dynasty up until the early republic period.

JE

Paperback: 151 pages
Publisher: Southeast Asian Ceramic Society (October 1995)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9810043953
ISBN-13: 978-9810043957
Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds

Wanli shipwreck and its ceramic cargo by Sten Sjöstrand, Sharipah Lok Lok bt., Syed Idrus, Tim Hartill et al.

11 votes If you have read the book, give your grade!
Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 31, 2008
 in the Maritime Archaeology, Ming Porcelain and Ship Wreck Cargoes category
. 1 Comment

wanli.jpg

This book is a highly readable presentation of Sten Sjöstrands latest maritime excavation adventure. It details the finding and recovery of a cargo of Chinese Wanli style “kraak” porcelain. The book sets a new world standard on how to report on martime salvage operations. To us who are long time members of the Gotheborg Discussion Board, it is especially comforting to among the acknowledgements find that our Tim Hartill has provided the bulk of the ceramic related research that this book references. Since this is a collected shipwreck where all pieces dates to more or less the same period it gives important information on which shapes and decoration that actually was made at the same time. And on this point it seems that the porelain history needs to be rewritten in some no small matters. This is no doubt one of the best books ever written about kraak porcelain and will become an important standard reference.

“The maritime archaeology of Sten Sjöstrand has led to major advances in the study of Asian trade and trade ceramics in Southeast Asia. His meticulous documentation of a series of nine shipwrecks from the 11th to 19th centuries reveals the early dominance of Chinese trade ceramics, a subsequent loss of the Chinese monopoly in the late 14th century when Southeast Asian ceramics entered the market, the basic parameters of the Ming gap shortages of the 14th-15th centuries, and a resurgence of Chinese wares in the 16th and 17th centuries. A lifetime’s experience with the sea and sailing allows Sjöstrand to bring new understanding to ancient ship construction, and his voluminous reading allows him to set the ships and their cargoes in historical perspective. This publication delivers the sort of precise data that will stand the test of time and be mined by future scholars for studies to come on Asian history. The thoroughness displayed in this catalogue is a testament to his passion and devotion to mapping ancient maritime trade and trade goods during more than two decades of dedicated work”.
Dr. Roxanna M. Brown
Director of the Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum, Bangkok University

We are also looking forward to a more full review to be published in the upcoming number of Arts of Asia.

JE

27 X 27 cm, 360 pages. More than 650 color photographs, sketches, tables and maps. High quality (150 gm) paper . Total weight 2.5 kilo

Thai Ceramic Art: The Three Religions by Guerin, Nicol & Dick Van Oenen

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 30, 2008
 in the Thai (Siam) category
. 0 Comments

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Thai Ceramic Art

The publication is a detailed study on the 14th-16th century Thai ceramic wares that played a role in the local Buddhist and animist religious ceremonies, approached from an art historical point of view. It also establishes the degree of interaction between the many cultures that influenced the form, design, function and usage of these wares, and draws on the underlying historic, religious and stylistic linkages with India, China, Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia and other parts of Southeast Asia.

A background to the history, politics, and cultural practices of Thailand introduces the subject, followed by a systematic analysis of the Thai products. Throughout the study, comparisons are made with other Asian cultures, decorative styles and chronology, which add further dimensions to a hitherto relatively unexplored art form. With photographs, maps and line drawings.

The authors spent 20 years on the subject and examined over 800 pieces, consisting of sculptures of human beings as well as of animals, and a huge quantity of vessels made for various religious rites and rituals. They examined mostly glazed stoneware produced between 1459-1650, when the kilns at Sukhothai and Sri Satchanalai (Sawankhalok) flourished. These 800 pieces were in many different collections around the world and the authors visited many private collections and museums, including those in Singapore, during their research. A useful list of these collections is included in the book.

They did an excellent job detailing the many varieties of shapes and forms produced and adds a good introduction to the political, historical and cultural history of the period.

In her review of this book Dr. Roxanna M Brown, Director of the Southeast Asian Ceramics Museum, Bangkok University, calls this book foremost “inspirational” which I choose to interpret that it contains a fair amount of guesswork. I think we should be ok with that and just keep it in mind that we actually don’t have that much written history from 1000 years back in former Siam. We need to study, compare and interpret which I also take as the common meaning that the authors of this volume have done well. All in all, a highly recommended book.

Read her review here:

thai_ceramic_art_review.jpg

Format: Hardcover, 310 pages
Published: 2005, Singapore, 1st Edition
ISBN: 9810507364

The Quest for Eternity: Chinese Ceramic Sculptures from the People’s Republic of China

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 30, 2008
 in the Early Pottery category
. 0 Comments

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Quest for Eternity: Chinese Ceramic Sculptures from the People’s Republic of China

This is one of the most useful books I have found for the study of early Han, Tang, etc. pottery figures. The illustrations are plentiful and streches over such a long period of time that it is possible for the reader to see the stylistic differences that sets the different periods apart.

The book is a catalog of an exhibition, organized jointly by Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Chinese Overseas Archaeological Exhibition Corporation, with four essays on Chinese beliefs in the afterworld, the Qin and Han tombs and mortuary architecture, funerary sculpture, and sculptural development of ceramic figures.

One of the more useful books on the subject. Not complete but I would not be without this one and for to recommend something to a beginner, this would be my first choice. Considering the price this book is available at, there are no excuse to not add it to your library.


The Canton Famille Rose Porcelains, Chinese Export Porcelain in the 19th Century by John Quentin Feller

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 30, 2008
 in the Chinese Export Porcelain category
. 0 Comments

cantonfamillerose1.jpgChinese Export Porcelain in the 19th Century: The Canton Famille Rose Porcelains

This booklet is only 45 pages and in about letter format. I like to recommend it anyway since it is knowledgeable written and the pictures are of good quality. It is a fine book to be sure, full of helpful and interesting information. I think this could actually be quite useful in particular on the US market where this porcelain is more common than in Europe at a very modest price. For dating, David Howard Chinese Armorial Porcelain II cover this period too and is more all round, so if you got Howard II, you might not find that this booklet adds that much. But, there is also a difference in size, price, and scope.

As a small comment I personally prefer to reserve the famille rose name to porcelain from the 18th century and to call this porcelain Rose Medallion family, but maybe this does not matter much.

As a pure curiosity the author was also a very special guy. There was a lot of talk about this at the time. The author, John Quentin Feller, a University of Scranton professor and expert in Chinese porcelain was one of the most accomplished and compulsive art thieves in American history. Feller admitted walking off with more than 100 items from eight different museums. Interestingly, he donated many of his stolen goodies back to other cultural institutions, earning himself something of a reputation as an art world Robin Hood. He managed to carry on for almost 20 years before being caught and sent to prison in 1991.

Paperback: 45 pages
Publisher: Peabody Essex Museum (August 1982)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 087577069X
ISBN-13: 978-0875770697
Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces

The Ca Mau Shipwreck 1723-1735 by Dinh Chién

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 30, 2008
 in the Chinese Export Porcelain and Ship Wreck Cargoes category
. 1 Comment

ca_mau.jpg
This is a very interesting book considering the time this ship appears to have sunk. Quite a lot of the cargo consists of pieces that in the antiques trade usually has been given the label Kangxi. Since quite a number of the pieces actually carries the Yongzheng (1723-1735) reign mark, that theory obviously needs to go. This is a really good reference book for this expansive perion in the history of Chinese Export porcelain findin ite palace right between the Vung Tau (c. 1700) and the Gotheborg (1745).

The book is of 258 pages (96 pages of text, 386 photographs, and 21 pages of ceramics designs) and many line drawings. The book was based on the report complied by the Excavations Committee together with data and records relating to the artifacts collected by the two provincial museums of Binh Thuan and Ca Mau, from 1998-2000.

The contents includes the archaeological excavations of Ca Mau shipwreck, the artifacts recovered from the shipwreck site and maps.

Author: Dinh Chién, Nguyén,
Museum of Vietnamese History and Ca Mau Provincial Museum (2003),
Language: Vietnamese and English,

China to Order: Focusing on the XIXth Century and Surveying Polychrome Export Porcelain Produced During the Qing Dynasty, 1644-1908 by Daniel Nadler

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 29, 2008
 in the Chinese Export Porcelain category
. 2 Comments

china_to_order.jpgChina to Order: Focusing on the XIXth Century and Surveying Polychrome Export Porcelain Produced During the Qing Dynasty, 1644-1908

This book focuses despite the impression one might get from the cover picture, on the 19th century export porcelains. I need to say I have not read this book myself but list it through recommendations. You are welcome to add your comments and star ranks to the entry.

JE


Lost at Sea: The Strange Route of the Lena Shoal Junk by Franck Goddio et al.

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 29, 2008
 in the Maritime Archaeology category
. 0 Comments

lena_shoal.jpgLost at Sea: The Strange Route of the Lena Shoal Junk, by Franck Goddio, Monique Crick, Peter Lam, Stacey Pierson and Rosemary Scott

Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Periplus Publishing London (December 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1902699351
ISBN-13: 978-1902699356
Product Dimensions: 13.8 x 9.5 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds


Qingbai Ware: Chinese Porcelain of the Song and Yuan Dynasties, by Rosemary Scott et al. (Ed. Stacey Pierson)

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 29, 2008
 in the Song Dynasty category
. 0 Comments


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Qingbai Ware : Chinese Porcelain of the Song and Yuan Dynasties

From the preface: “Qingbai ware, or Yingqing ware as it is commonly known, is perhaps one of the most under appreciated ceramics in the Chinese ceramic tradition. It is not one of the wu wei ci, or five classic wares of the Song dynasty. It was not made exclusively for imperial use and its decorative styles and techniques were largely borrowed from other wares such as Ding and Yaozhou wares. With the exception of Jingdezhen, where it was primarily made, it also has not drawn much interest from archaeologists. This is unfortunate because, as we will see, qingbai ware is in fact one of the most successful ceramic types produced in China and was emulated at numerous kilns in many different regions. Very high quality qingbai wares were produced in the Song period which are today some of the finest early porcelains produced in China. Qingbai was also the basis from which Jingdezhen blue and white porcelain was developed and as recent research shows, this ware was noted in ancient records and was buried in hoards and tombs of the Song and Yuan dynasties. In fact, it was considered valuable enough when it was first made that several qingbai wares can be found in the original holdings of the National Palace Museum in Taipei.

The history of this ware is fairly straightforward but has not been presented in monograph form in English before. In order to show the complete picture of qingbai production, the history of its manufacture needs to be reconstructed and its forms, decoration and patronage need also to be illustrated. This volume will present these issues along with over 100 colour illustrations of some of the best and most interesting qingbai wares in collections around the world, many of which have not been published before.

Essays have been contributed from both doctoral students of Chinese ceramics as well as established specialists in the field. Summaries of these essays as well as the catalogue entries have also been provided in Chinese. For reasons of space, this catalogue concentrates on Qingbai ware for the Chinese domestic market and on examples made at Jingdezhen. It is hoped that this catalogue will inspire further research on export wares and the products of other kilns.”

Hardcover with slipcase, 9″ X 12″, 255 pages
130 catalogue entries with complete descriptions, photos of makers marks and full page color photographs

Author: Rosemary Scott, Amy Barnes, Estelle Nikles, Catherine Teo, Edited by Stacey Pierson
Publisher: Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art (2002)
ISBN-10: 072860339X
ISBN-13: 978-0728603394
Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds

Sung Ceramic Designs by Jan Wirgin

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Song Dynasty category
. 0 Comments

wirgin.jpg
Sung Ceramic Designs

This is one of my personal favorites and as I see it an indispensable companion for any collector of Song dynasty ceramics. The main reason is one that maybe was not that much of an issue at the time back in the late 1970s when Jan Wirgin was working with this, his doctoral thesis, namely the effort that went into selecting the items that were to be discussed.

Even today more than 30 years later nobody have seriously questioned the authenticity of any of the pieces that went into this book and I find it very refreshing to look through it. It has been reprinted in a second edition but the pictures, all black and white, did not come out as good in the later edition as in the first. This is not a very expensive book so try to find the first edition but if not, also the later are ok.

T’ang Pottery and Porcelain by Margaret Medley

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Early Pottery category
. 0 Comments


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T’ang Pottery and Porcelain (The Faber Monographs on Pottery & Porcelain)

The work includes all kinds of Tang potteries, not only the better known Tang horses in three-colored glaze, but also lead-glazed and unglazed earthenware, as well as high-fired wares of the Tang dynasty (618-907).

Hardcover: 151 pages
Publisher: Faber & Faber (September 1981)
The Faber Monographs on Pottery & Porcelain
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0571109578
ISBN-13: 978-0571109579


Zhangzhou Ware Found in the Philippines: Swatow Export Ceramics from Fujian 16th-17th Century by Rita C. Tan

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Ming Porcelain category
. 0 Comments

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This account of the 16th and 17th century ceramics of Zhangzhou (formerly often called “Swatow china”) is published in connection with the 2007 Yuchengco Museum/Oriental Ceramic Society of the Philippines exhibition. Accounts of the production methods export and trade patterns, archaeological sites and shipwrecked stock complement the 180 annotated color plates of artefacts displayed in the exhibition. With sketch maps, graphics, and index.

Format: Hardcover, 191 pages
Published: 2007, Philippines, 1st Edition
ISBN: 9789719317006

Bat Trang Ceramics 14th-19th Centuries by Phan Huy Le et al.

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Vietnam category
. 0 Comments

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Bat Trang, a village not far from Hanoi, has been producing ceramic wares since at least the 14th century. This account of the industry up to the 19th century and the methods and glazes used in producing domestic, decorative and ritual artefacts includes 260 plates in color or black and white, and line drawings of patterns and designs. Bilingual in English and Vietnamese.

Format: Hardcover, 209 pages
Published: 1995, Vietnam, 1st Edition


The Choice of the Private Trader: the Private Market in Chinese Export Porcelain. Illustrated from the Hodroff Collection by David S. Howard

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Chinese Ceramics category
. 0 Comments

The Choice of the Private Trader: The Private Market in Chinese Export Porcelain Illustrated in the Hodroff Collection

The Private Trade in Chinese Export porcelain, as distinct from East India Company trade, has hitherto scarcely been recoginised as a subject in its own right. And yet the officers and supercargoes of the Hon. East India Company took full advantage of their license to trade on their own account; it is just this attractive and innovative ware, chosen by them at their own capital risk, that is most collected today. David S. Howard surveys more than two centuries of manufacture, and throws new light on how the trade was actually conducted. The Hodroff collection, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in the world, closely mirrors the tastes of the private traders and is the ideal source of illustration for this pioneering work

Hardcover: 298 pages
Publisher: London: Zwemmer (September 1994)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0302006427
ISBN-13: 978-0302006429
Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds

The Ceramics of South-East Asia, Their Dating and Identification by Roxanna M. Brown

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Thai (Siam) category
. 0 Comments

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This second edition is virtually a new book, taking into account discoveries of new burial sites and wares as well as a spate of recent scholarship and articles on Southeast Asian ceramics. Beautifully illustrated, the text covers Vietnamese ceramics, the Go-Sanh Kilns, Khmer wares, the Sukhothai and Sawankhalok kilns, the Northern and other Thai kilns, and Burmese ceramics.
Extensive bibliography.

Format: Paperback, 216 pages
Published: 2000, USA, 2nd Edition
ISBN: 1878529706


Imperial Taste – Chinese Ceramics from the Percival David Foundation by Rosemary Scott et al.

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Chinese Ceramics, Imperial Chinese Porcelain and Monochromes category
. 0 Comments


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Imperial Taste – Chinese Ceramics from the Percival David Foundation

This is the catalogue to an exhibition organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art with pieces from the Percival David Foundation in London.

Smitten by the riches of the Imperial Collection, connoisseur Sir Percival David (1892-1964) braved the “insuperable obstacles” posed by rival Chinese collectors – and the chicaneries of the Chinese bank which then owned the priceless porcelains in the collection – to purchase, in 1926, the collection, which is now quartered at the University of London.

The 56 pieces that makes up this exhinbition date from the 9th to the 18th centuries. Formerly owned by Chinese emperors, they document fluctuating imperial taste and bear witness to an enduring high standard, from Jun ware from the 12th and 13th centuries – smudged generously with mottled plum and purple glazes – to the delicate naturalism of 18th-century Jingdezhen tea sets, painted with lotus blossoms.

Rounding out the many color photographs and catalogue essay by curator Rosemary Scott are other pieces by Rosemary Scott and scholars George Kuwayama, Roderick Whitfield, Wu Tung and Denise Patry Leidy discussing archeological research, the origins of ceramic painting styles, the role played by such porcelains in Chinese painting itself and the influence of East-West trade on the art.

Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Paperback: 136 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books (July 1, 1989)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0877016127
ISBN-13: 978-0877016120

Hirado: Prince of Porcelains by Louis Lawrence

9 votes If you have read the book, give your grade!
Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Japanese Porcelain category
. 1 Comment


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Hirado : Prince of Porcelains (Encyclopedia of Japanese Art Series) (Encyclopedia of Japanese Art Series)

Hirado: Prince of Porcelains is part of the Enclyclopedia of Japanese Art Series. It provides a comprehensive look at one of Japan’s greatest porcelain factories, which enjoyed enduring princely patronage from the Matsura family, Lords of Hirado Island. The book displays Hirado ware with its subtlety, charm and magnificence in broadly chronological order, summarises documentation on these wares, and underpins these with information about Western collectors, as well as all known Hirado artists’ signatures.

The first book in the Encyclopedia of Japanese Art series is devoted to Hirado porcelain and is the only work devoted exclusively to the subject in English. This much needed volume traces the origins of one of Japan’s great porcelain manufacturers from its first years in the 17th century to its closure early in the 20th century.

Illustrated with 101 colour and black and white photos, almost all of which are published for the first time, it displays the extraordinary range of Hirado wares originally made exclusively for the wealthy Matsura family. It conclusively demonstrates that Hirado was an important kiln in the history of Japanese ceramics and its widely varied wares rank among the finest made.

Within the appendices of this book is a unique and comprehensive section devoted to over 90 marks found on Hirado wares. The eccentric charm and superlative quality of this rare porcelain is admirably displayed in this book by scholar and dealer, Louis Lawrence with an introduction by the renowned collector David Hyatt King.

Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Art Media Resources Ltd; 1 edition (1997)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1878529307
ISBN-13: 978-1878529305
Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
ISBN: 1878529307

The E.T. Hall Collection of Chinese Monochrome Porcelains 6/7/04, Christie’s London

8 votes If you have read the book, give your grade!
Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Chinese Ceramics, Imperial Chinese Porcelain and Monochromes category
. 0 Comments

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2004 Christie’s London The E.T. Hall Collection of Chinese Monochrome Porcelains 6/7/04. This post auction catalog consists of 251 pages with 286 lots mostly illustrated in color and all described in detail. This was the sale that finally put monochromes on the map! Some really terrific pieces.


The Baur Collection, Geneva: Chinese Ceramics Volume Three (III) – Monochrome-Glazed Porcelains of Ch’ing Dynasty by John Ayers

4 votes If you have read the book, give your grade!
Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Imperial Chinese Porcelain and Monochromes category
. 0 Comments


baur_3.jpg
THE BAUR COLLECTION, GENEVA: CHINESE CERAMICS VOLUME THREE (III) – MONOCHROME-GLAZED PORCELAINS OF THE CH’ING DYNASTY

The Baur Collection, Geneva: Chinese Ceramics Volume Three (III) – Monochrome-Glazed Porcelains of Ch’ing Dynasty, by John Ayers


Chinese Ceramics: Selected Articles from Orientations, 1982-2003

8 votes If you have read the book, give your grade!
Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Chinese Ceramics, Imperial Chinese Porcelain, Ming Porcelain and Song Dynasty category
. 0 Comments

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This substantial compilation of illustrated articles from ‘Orientations’ makes available new perspectives and the results of specialist research on many aspects of the history, design and production of Chinese ceramics.

This book just ought to be one of the best buys ever when it comes to substance. One slight drawback is that the book as such is compiled from a series of interesting articles.

Even if they so to speak covers the history of Chinese Ceramics, as a book, it lacks focus. But besides that, as a night table book, or the perfect reference look-up book if you are lucky enough to hit home on one of the topics covered. Very good.

Nobody hesitates about that this book is worth buying. Actually you should have subscribed to Orientation during 1982-2003 in the first place but if you didn’t; here’s a very good selection of the best of the best.

Format: Paperback, 430 pages
Published: 2004, Hong Kong, 2nd Edition
ISBN: 9627951325

Blanc De Chine: Porcelain from Dehua by Rose Kerr & John Ayers

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Published
by
Jan-Erik Nilsson
 on March 28, 2008
 in the Blanc de Chine / Dehua category
. 0 Comments

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Of all new books on Blanc de Chinese this is my favorite. Its very complete and it is very well thought out. The Frank and Pamela Hickley major collection of blanc de Chine, the white porcelain traditionally produced in Dehua, Fujian Province, South China, was given to the Asian Civilizations Museum, Singapore in 2000.

Dehua porcelain, or Blanc de Chine as it is known in the West, is pure ivory-white porcelain made at the Dehua kilns in the southern Chinese province of Fujian. It rose to international significance in the 17th century and inspired aristocratic patronage in the development of European porcelain. Its popularity at home and abroad continued and the kilns at Dehua remain prolific to this day. This is the first comprehensive publication since P. J. Donnelly’s pioneering study thirty years ago. An international group of specialists discuss how, why and when the Dehua porcelain phenomenon occurred. The book is also a catalog of the important Hickley Collection in Singapore. Each piece is illustrated in beautiful full color photography.

Four essays on the Dehua production and styles and on the world’s major collections together with an interview with Mrs Pamela Hickley introduce the catalog. 134 pieces from the Collection are illustrated in color and annotated as to style and historical significance. The beauty and great diversity of blanc de Chine is impressively conveyed. Bibliography included.

This one and Donnelly and maybe two more books on Blanc de Chine and you should be pretty well covered regarding figures. If we go on and want to cover Dehua and even worse, Fujian wares, then there will be more books needed of course.

132 pages
Publisher: RoutledgeCurzon; 1 edition (December 30, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0700717137
ISBN-13: 978-0700717132
Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.1 x 0.8 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds

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