Customer Reviews

Yixing Pottery: The World of Chinese Tea Culture (Arts of China)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was not what I'd hoped for - which is a solid introduction to Yixing teapots. It concentrates on the history of Yixing teapots - and those that have been found in archaeological digs dating back to the Song Dynasty in China. Many of these ancient pots are illustrated in the book. There is some discussion on the qualities that make Yixing clay different from most other types of clay, but there is also much missing. The book doesn't illustrate examples of the differing colours available in the clay and never discusses famous clay types like Zhu Ni, which is so highly sought after by Yixing collectors.

There is a fairly large section on ancient masters of the art and those of the 19th and early 20th centuries. It's just a shame that their chops or signatures - which are usually recorded on their pots are not included in the text. Also missing is information on the modern state of the Yixing industry and the mechanical way modern pots are mostly made.

This is a rather basic and superficial look at Yixing pots and wares - but if you are after some biographical information on the most famous past masters or want to see illustrations on some very ancient Yixing pots then this book will be of interest to you.

This is a fairly little book that is packed with solid info and great pictures. I bought one for me and a second as a gift. I may have to get a couple more for other tea fans.

This book is best for collectors and those seeking visual reference material. Filled with many lovely images covering a variety of time periods and styles of yixing teapots. lovely.