Chinese Ceramics: From the Paleolithic Period through the Qing Dynasty (The Culture & Civilization of China)

I don’t have a lot of knowledge about the blue/white, this is a wonderful reference book to have, I learn a little history, and details about items. It’s a big heavy book.

The history of Chinese ceramics stretches back for at least 14,000 years. This hefty volume describes this history and discusses some of the ceramics produced over the centuries in great detail. The individual chapters discuss ceramics manufactured during the various dynastic periods and the book ends with sections on "the export and trade of Chinese cramics" and "ten lectures on the authentication of Chinese ceramics". The writing is clear, scholarly, comprehensive and full of interesting detail. This book would be of great appeal to those with a specialised interest in this area of decorative art. It would also be a desirable addition to the library of people with more general interest in the subject (myself included).The generalist would be attracted to this book in part because of the numerous and often large sized illustrations of the various ceramics under discussion. The examples of works chosen are of the highest quality and are often extraordinarily beautiful. The quality of printing and photographic reproduction is very satisfactory. Books on this subject are often restricted to specific historic periods. They tend also to be much more expensive. At the present asking price of $54 this volume represents a virtual giveaway.

There are literally dozens of books on Chinese ceramics published over many decades of time. Many or most make a unique contribution to a collector's knowledge of this broad and complex topic. This book comes the closest to being comprehensive. Granted that for any one topic they may be material that could have been added. However that would have required a library sized series of books. I was particularly impressed with the chapter on the Ming dynasty ceramics obviously written by an expert who has great knowledge of his subject. I might add this is a heavy weight tome that challenges my muscles every time I pick it up which fairly frequently.

Bought this book to ooooh and aahhh at beautiful Chinese ceramics I have seen in various museums around the world. I wanted to learn more about the history and background of what I had seen. This is a fantastic book for that, and the price was right. You can't get a better reference on Chinese ceramics, this will be your best guide through the ages. Now to find that proverbial 'needle in the hay stack' and find that treasure at a garage sale or swap meet and I'll be set.

Having trawled through many descriptions of books on Chinese ceramics, looked at books and websites, I wanted a solid, comprehensive introduction for someone who is fairly new to the topic, but keen to gain an intelligent overview. Solid indeed! It is a weighty and beautiful tome. The publisher's name was a good guide to the quality expected. The text is informative and gives every appearance of being authoritative. I will return again and again to read, consult, and just savour this book. The photographs and line drawings are well chosen and beautifully (re)produced. I particularly appreciated the clear indication provided with the photo (not just in an appendix) of where each item is held, as well as its dimensions (in centimetres, for those of us outside the USA/UK). I learn that Yale UP has a series on Chinese Civilization and Culture, of which this book is part. I certainly intend to buy further volumes in the series: the price, delivered to my door on the other side of the world, was very reasonable indeed.

great read to understand more about the history of the china/porcelain industry and products of China. perfect for the collector of blue and white.

This was the book I needed to explain to me most of everything I needed to learn about Chinese Ceramics. I have not finished reading as I only received shortly, but it has helped me understand the evolution of Chinese Ceramics. Exactly what I was looking for on this subject. I only wish there were more color photos to view the evolution of the paint colors. Thank You!

Superb photography and intelligent, well articulated essays by the contributing authors make this massive book a must-have.For the price the production quality is stunning, and it's the sort of book that you will keep for a lifetime.

Beautiful

Un pavé à lire sur table ou bureau passionnant pour qui aime évidemment.Un texte très fourni avec des illustrations de qualité.Sans aucune publicité: à rapprocher des livres sur la porcelaine ou les céramiques européennes publiés par Faton.Peut-être un peu difficile pour le profane,mais on peut débuter en profane avant d'être "savant"? Et on prend son temps pour lire.Même un Français comme moi comprend le texte! Peut-être doit-t-on avoir quelques notions solides sur l'histoire impériale chinoise? je ne sais qu'en penser ayant déjà la base....L'édition est très soignée,la reliure cartonnée très solide le papier d'impression comme toujours au top dans les éditions anglo-saxonnes (imprimé et relié en Chine).Je conseille l'achat dont le prix est raisonnable.

A very comprehensive compilation of any kind of Chinese ceramics from the very beginning to the early 20th century with detailed historical and additional background information. In the last part of the book even some advise how to tell fakes from genuine ware. Even for non-native English speakers quite easy to understand. Really quite recommendable.

Un librone che è un solido inizio e una chiara referenza per chi voglia avventurarsi nella conoscenza della ceramica cinese

Bigger than expected, great book.