Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Porcelain [Paperback]

David Battie (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1995

This pictorial encyclopaedia, suitable for either the inexperienced amateur or the seasoned collector, introduces all aspects of the world of porcelain and ceramics, guiding the reader from era to era, factory to factory and craftsman to craftsman. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field, and also acts as a reference and identification guide.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Beautiful illustrations and a detailed yet concise historical text by Sotheby's director David Battie and a team of notable experts chronicle the evolution of porcelain from circa 600 A.D. to the present. Chapters focus on the decorative innovations and commercial efforts of the primary fine porcelain producers, from the Orient to Europe and America, helping the reader distinguish among hard and soft paste porcelain, wucai, encre de Chine, and Imari. The book also highlights the Oriental influence on such European earthenware as delftware, faience, and maiolica porcelain. A particularly delightful chapter by Battie treats fakes and forgeries. Support material includes a glossary of terms and a list of key factories and important names in the development of porcelain. This invaluable guide will be appreciated by collectors of all kinds.
- Stephen Allan Patrick, East Tennesssee State Univ. Lib., Johnson City
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Conrad Octopus (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1850296480
• ISBN-13: 978-1850296485
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,410,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not an encyclopedia!, March 19, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Sotheby's Concise Encyclopedia of Porcelain (Paperback)

This is a narrative history of porcelain, lavishly illustrated. It covers only porcelain, not other forms of ceramics. It focuses on wares that I would consider exclusively museum quality. The illustrations are gorgeous. The text is gracefully written and thoroughly informative. Although it is not arranged topically as a real encyclopedia would be, it does have a marvelous glossary at the end that is an education in itself. With the caveat that this is a narrative not a topical reference, I highly recommend this book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good, balanced look at porcelain, May 15, 2010

By 

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

This review is from: Sothebys Concise Encyclopedia of Porcelain (Paperback)

This book discusses the variety of ways porcelain is made. It looks at the influence of Chinese porcelain on the European market and the evolution of techniques in Europe to mimic the results. Throughout there are good color photos to illustrate the text. Not only are the eras discussed but specific areas that became noted for their products. This is a nice book. I already have "The Art of Ceramics- European Ceramic Design 1500-1830" which covers the same thing and has more examples of highly decorated objects. Other competitive books that you might consider would be: The Dresden Porcelain Collection: China, Japan, Meissen (Masterpieces), The Ewers-Tyne Collection of Worcester Porcelain, and Chinese Export Porcelain in the Reeves Center Collection at Washington and Lee University. Sotheby's book gives an example or two of what the text discusses. Since all manufacturers produced a variety of designs you will have to decide if the general discussion satisfies you or you would like to view a cross section of designs- in which case one of these other books would be better.