Japanese Export Ceramics: 1860-1920 [Hardcover]

Nancy Schiffer (Author), Nancy N. Schiffer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: October 1, 1999

The world now applauds the exquisite ornamental ceramics made in Japan in the late 19th century for export to Europe and America. They dazzle the public today as they originally did when introduced at the International Fairs in Philadelphia, London, Paris, Chicago, and St. Louis over a hundred years ago. Here the breathtaking beauty of intricate decoration on Satsuma, Imari, Kutani, Hirado and other ceramics is displayed in over 500 color photographs with a carefully researched text, descriptive captions, and information about the current world market for these pieces. Discoveries in new places have brought forth fresh examples for this book. Ceramics collectors worldwide will be able to compare the craftsmanship of these imaginative designs and learn how the international market both demanded and supported trade in their ornate decorations.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Nancy Schiffer has studied and collected Japanese ceramics for many years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764310437
• ISBN-13: 978-0764310430
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #975,351 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good photos, poor scholarship, December 7, 2007

By 

David B. Searles II - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Japanese Export Ceramics: 1860-1920 (Hardcover)

While the examples of ceramics shown are well photographed and beautiful, the text is minimal. Many examples of Satsuma, for example, show signatures, which is helpful, but in certain cases the signatures are not identified for English readers. To say that the vase is marked with "red characters," and not translate them, is simple laziness in scholarship, especially given the credits to individual experts who could have read them. In at least one case, the signature translation matches no others in the same text. Visually, the book provides a great bit of eye training for that which is "good" in this field for the collector. In terms of background and intellectual edification, the text rates from beginner to worthless. Hence the middle grade of three stars. A good picture book.