Decorative Plates [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Jim Harran (Author), Susan Harran (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2007

Beautiful examples of decorative plates have been made by almost every porcelain company in the world in a variety of subjects in all price ranges. This book features hundreds of these beautiful plates, from the top-of-the-line portrait plates showing painters artistic skills to the more common subjects like landscapes, animals, birds, flowers, and fruit. Transfer print decorated items as well as fine quality hand-painted decorations are showcased in over 1,000 color photographs. Historical background on early ceramic art, the development of tableware, and plates for display are included, and the differences between chargers, service plates, game and fish sets, oyster plates, and commemorative plates are discussed. Organized by country or geographic area, the book covers both American and foreign items. Deldare art pottery, Pickard china, French, German, and Oriental plates, marks, and the popular hobby of American china painting - it's all in Decorative Plates. 2008 values.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Collections strong in specialty identification and values guides need DECORATIVE PLATES IDENTIFICATION & VALUE GUIDE, a survey of English, German, American and other European plates which includes notes on their marks, makers, and changing values. Excellent detailed color photos pack a survey strong in both history and values, appealing to any library catering to collectors. -Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Jim and Susan Harran, antique dealers for 18 years, specialize in English and Continental porcelains and antique cups and saucers. They write feature articles for various antique publications and have a monthly column in AntiqueWeek, entitled "The World of Ceramics."

Jim and Susan Harran, antique dealers for 18 years, specialize in English and Continental porcelains and antique cups and saucers. They write feature articles for various antique publications and have a monthly column in AntiqueWeek, entitled "The World of Ceramics." Susan is also a member of the Antique Appraisal Association of American, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Collector Books; Ill edition (October 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574325639
• ISBN-13: 978-1574325638
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #615,951 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Kitchenware
  • #62 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Antiques & Collectibles > Porcelain & China

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Useless reference., December 14, 2008

By 

L. Mayer (East Coast U.S.A.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Decorative Plates (Hardcover)

I inherited 166 new in the box collectible plates. Norman Rockwell, Vickers, Zolan, and many others, American, German, Italian, French, etc.. The last REAL price and identification guide that was published was in 1999. When I saw this and read the description and review I thought it was about time for an update. WRONG!!! This is useless for any of the mail order plates in the 70's, 80's and 90's. Not one plate I have was in the book. Its an impressive looking book but that's it. Thank goodness I didn't buy a new or B&N copy.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'll try to be more helpful than the description/reviews so far., May 2, 2010

By 

LD (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Decorative Plates (Hardcover)

I am not a collector but I am building a library on porcelain and glass that I find visually enjoyable. I had doubts about this book until I got it from the library. Contrary to other books, including some on Limoges, this one had clear photos. Arranged from 3 to 6 per page the smallest are 2.5"x2.5" and the largest about 3"x4". The American section covers 1880-1930 in 13 pages; the English 66 pgs 1800-1930; French 45 pgs 1870-1920 including Limoges; German 60 pgs 1880-1950; other European 29 pgs 1760-1960; Oriental 18 pgs 1830-1920. A wide variety of shapes, designs, colors, and styles show off the artist's talent. Several plates have enlargements of the detail. Histories of the country, maker, and styles are informative. Each photo is labeled with maker, time period, size, price, and mark. I am waiting to view other books by this author. The plates that were chosen to be in the book have geometric designs, portraits, animals, birds, flowers, fruit, and scenes in a variety of colors. I have gotten bored looking at some books with the variations limited to changing the color or person in the portrait. As a person more interested in craftsmanship, I just keep coming back to turn the pages and be awed. I bought a "like new" copy at a steep discount and am very satisfied. I looked at Mary Frank Gaston's Limoges Encyclopedia but I prefer this book. I viewed Debby DuBay's Limoges Boxes to Vases and found too many dark or out of focus examples. Her book is good for those who only are interested in that area's porcelain but Decorative Plates has better photos and variety of scenes on plates.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Collections strong in specialty identification and values guides need DECORATIVE PLATES IDENTIFICATION & VALUE GUIDE, March 3, 2008

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Decorative Plates (Hardcover)

Collections strong in specialty identification and values guides need DECORATIVE PLATES IDENTIFICATION & VALUE GUIDE, a survey of English, German, American and other European plates which includes notes on their marks, makers, and changing values. Excellent detailed color photos pack a survey strong in both history and values, appealing to any library catering to collectors.