The Ceramic Spectrum: A Simplified Approach to Glaze & Color Development (Paperback)

by Robin Hopper (Author) "No words can convey the excitement and satisfaction that come from the study of ceramic glaze and color development..." (more)
Key Phrases: oriental style glazes, magnesium glazes, aventurine glazes, Vary Both, Janet Dwyer, Vary Roth (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Veteran potter Hopper (Functional Pottery) has rewritten and updated another of his successful guides for studio potters. The new edition reflects the many changes in glaze technology since the first edition of this book was published in 1984. Most striking is the shift to all color photography of samples and finished pieces by other artists a necessity when discussing glazes. Although this is a technical work, the text is interesting and readable. It belongs in academic and specialized public library crafts collections, particularly those wanting to replace the first edition.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
This is the book ceramists have been waiting for. Eighteen years after its first edition, Robin Hopper has updated what has become a staple for all potters and ceramists.

With several new or expanded chapters covering Oriental glazes, Islamic lusters, Egyptian pastes, high texture glazes, flux variation triaxial and extended color information, among other topics, this new edition is a must-have for any ceramist or potter. The book is easy to read, follow and understand and features hundreds of photos, drawings and charts to visually guide and inspire the reader.

Hopper, a well-known and highly respected ceramic artist and educator, is the author of three books and numerous articles for international magazines and journals. His 45 years as a ceramic artist afford him the knowledge and expertise to guide other artists in their ceramic or pottery journeys.

-Several new and expanded chapters with increased technical illustration material
-Features images of works by contemporary ceramic artists
-Nearly 300 full-color photographs, as well as charts and drawings

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 2 edition (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873418212
• ISBN-13: 978-0873418218
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #356,323 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you want to know about color in glaze this is it!, October 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Ceramic Spectrum: A Simplified Approach to Glaze & Color Development (Hardcover)

This book has many great bits of information vital to your glaze color problems. I feel that it is an absolutly must have. Robin has distilled much of the "secret colors" from the past and leads you through many glaze problems.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really Great!!!!!, February 27, 2002

By	"ridgerunrbunny" (Fredericktown, Missouri, USA) - See all my reviews

This book has more information on glazes and colorants than any other book I own. Robin Hopper's explanation on the breakdown of glaze and color development is truly amazing. This is not a book for the "I want it done easy person", but a book for the the person who wants to know how something is done. He leaves computer technology out and leaves knowledge up to human resource and personal experience. Unlike other books, I truly LEARNED something from this one.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, great service from Amazon, September 5, 2005

By	Maxwell Casey "Max" (Monroe, NC USA) - See all my reviews

The Ceramic Spectrum is filled with detailed information and wonderful color pictures of glazing procedures and results. Extremely detailed color pictures of different glazes, errors made during glazing as well as mixing or modifying glazes from existing compounds. This book covers details from simple glazing techniques to complex crystalline glazes, and textural glaze applications. It has detailed explanations of glaze testing, color testing, glaze application and application faults. Almost all subjects are covered with color pictures of different techniques, faults and treatments. A totally complex subject treated in understandable terms. If you want to mix glazes, understand glaze procedures and techniques, avoid common errors, etc. this is the book for you. Excellent.