The New Maiolica: Contemporary Approaches to Color and Technique [Hardcover]

Matthias Ostermann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 23, 1999

Selected by Choice magazine as an Outstanding Academic Book for 2000

The practice of tin glaze spans thousands of years of history, from its inception in Mesopotamia, through its flowering in Islamic culture, its brilliant heyday during the Italian Renaissance, and its current active revival around the world. It has always been a medium both varied and expressive that has inspired ceramists and artists alike over the centuries to ply their brushes in an exuberance of painted decoration and narrative. Within the field of ceramics, maiolica, with its stable color-holding glaze surface, is unique as a medium—indeed, it has been called a painter's medium.

The New Maiolica is conceived by Matthias Ostermann as a workshop in print, guiding the reader progressively through some of the conceptual, material, and technical concerns that inform this versatile and compelling medium.

The work of more than fifty international ceramists is shown, giving evidence to the great variety of contemporary expression in tin glaze. There is also an examination of the problems that can occur in maiolica production, and suggested solutions, followed by a list of recommended reading, with food for philosophical, aesthetic, and technical thought.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The author has conceived this volume to serve as a methodology in the practice of tin glaze ceramics. It is an all-inclusive work covering many important areas such as terminology, aesthetics, materials used, and procedural steps involved in application and troubleshooting. . . . Superb color photographs. . . . A very important addition to the ceramics library."—Choice

About the Author

Matthias Ostermann has been a practicing ceramist since 1974 and has exhibited internationally. His work can be found in such permanent collections as the Baden-Wurtenbergisches Landesmuseum in Germany, the Canadian Clay and Glass Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. He resides in Toronto.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press (July 23, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812235134
• ISBN-13: 978-0812235135
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,053,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spectacular!, May 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The New Maiolica: Contemporary Approaches to Color and Technique (Hardcover)

I recently purchased four or five books on ceramics. This was by far my favorite. The beautiful work is inspiring and well presented with clear how to information. He even shows what brushes he uses for each and every stroke.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical reference book, June 21, 2004

By 

Mary R. Schirmer "Mary Schirmer" (Allen, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New Maiolica: Contemporary Approaches to Color and Technique (Hardcover)

While I prefer traditional Italian maiolica to contemporary, this book is still excellent. It is filled with glaze recipes and practical technical information. This book is worth it's purchase price just for it's 8 page Troubleshooting chapter.

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful features on many prominent potters!, January 4, 2000

By 

"samanta" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Maiolica: Contemporary Approaches to Color and Technique (Hardcover)

I found that the artwork is beautifully featured in this book and many of today's finest potters' work can be viewed. In particular, I truly enjoyed Ostermann's feature on up and coming Ontario potter-Richard Mund. His beautifully decorated work makes this book a new favorite for reference, inspiration and knowledge.