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.
Five Thousand Years of Chinese Ceramics: From the Robin And R. Randolph Richmond, Jr. Collection
This catalog of ceramic artifacts created in China over the last 5000 years was published to complement the donation to the New Orleans Art Museum in 2000 of the notable Richmond Collection. A chronology and illustrated introductory essay on the history and development of Chinese ceramics is followed by 100 full-page color photographs of selected ceramic objects of many kinds. Full descriptions and provenance details are appended. With bibliography and sketch map.
This volume illustrates one hundred works from a significant and wide-ranging collection of Chinese ceramics, including works of the Chinese potters’ art from the Neolithic through the Yuan dynasties (approximately 4000 BC through the 14th century), with works from the major traditions and kilns. It showcases the extraordinary achievements of Chinese potters in both earthenware and stoneware, and in ceramics made for use in this world as well as the afterlife.
One of the earliest works included is a product of the late phase of the Dawenkou culture (c. 2800-2400 BC), one of China’s several, co-existing Neolithic cultures characterized by distinctive pottery. Examples of funerary art from the Han and Tang dynasties are included, and finally Song wares that embody a literati aesthetic.
Format: Paperback, 144 pages
Published: 2005, USA, 1st Edition
ISBN: 0894940945
Tang Ceramics-Changsha Kilns
That this book is an absolute necessity for anybody collecting Changsha is obvious but it goes beyond that. It is written by a collector and one of those gifted persons who have this elusive “understanding” of what he sees. That talent is very rare and worth taking care of in any form it appears.
The point being that even if I don’t particularly were looking for Changsha pieces, I would benefit greatly from this book because it helps me understand early Chinese pottery, sharpen my eyes and help me understand more about what to look for in genuine pieces in general. Besides, it is a quite interesting book. I know this is a bit on the short side for this large book, but go look for it and you will see.
This volume is the result of much careful effort and enterprise on the part of the author. For the visual documentation alone the book is well worth having in the libraries of all those interested in Chinese ceramics. (South China Morning Post, Aug. 11, 1990)
It deals almost exclusively with the pottery products from the Changsha family of kilns in Hunan province during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). The book includes information on basic pottery culture, historical background, poetry, calligraphy, and ornamentation and decoration of ceramic wares.
Library Binding: 367 pages
Publisher: Lammett Arts; 1 edition (July 1990)
ISBN-10: 9627468010
ISBN-13: 978-9627468011
Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.4 x 1.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
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