How were Chinese pots made, glazed and fired? Why did China discover porcelain more than one thousand years before the West? What are the effects of China's influence on world ceramics? These questions (and many more) are answered in this lavishly-illustrated history of Chinese ceramic technology. The scene is set through the use of historical texts, archaeological excavation, and the principles of ceramic science. Chapters follow on the formation of clays and their relation to the underlying geologies of China, on firing, on manufacturing methods and sequences, on glazes, pigments and gilding, and on the impact of Chinese ceramic technology around the world, from the seventh to the twenty-first centuries. This is a volume unique in its coverage, which brings together research materials in several languages for the first time. With additional contributions by Ts'ai Mei-fen (National Palace Museum, Taipei) and Zhang Fukang (Shanghai Institute of Ceramics).
- A detailed and lavishly-illustrated account of Chinese ceramic technology from the Stone Age to the present day
- An essential volume for historians of ceramics technology and for collectors and connoisseurs of Chinese porcelain and ceramics
- Unique in the scale and breadth coverage, bringing together research materials in several languages for the first time
Read more
Reviews & endorsements
'… huge and unique work of scholarship … huge and unique work of scholarship … huge and unique work of scholarship … there is much to learn on the impact of this technology around the world from the seventh to the 21st centuries.' Antiques Trade Gazette
'Kerr and Wood are to be congratulated on this authoritative contribution to our understanding of Chinese ceramic technology.' Asian Affairs
'… an amazing compilation of comprehensive and up-to-date information on the history of Chinese ceramic technology … the authors have presented the information in a clear manner that makes it accessible to the non-technical reader … well worth waiting for … It will stand as the definitive work on this subject for the foreseeable future.' Northern Ceramic Society Newsletter
'… one can find information about almost every aspect of Chinese ceramics with well-chosen, cogent references to follow up. … In its breadth and depth of coverage this book is unprecedented in the literature on East Asian ceramics. It is also a very suitable addition to the Needham series, which continues both to record and advance our knowledge of Chinese science and civilization.' Journal of the School of Oriental and African Studies
'… comprehensive study … the authors' impressive grasps of historical sources … this book is indispensable for those interested in Chinese ceramics and the history of science … Rose Kerr and Nigel Wood are to be congratulated for this landmark achievement.' Ming Studies
'This part in itself provides what will doubtless become an invaluable reference for students and scholars of Chinese ceramics. The following parts (clays, kilns, manufacturing methods and sequences, glazes, pigments, enamels and gilding) provide and exceptionally detailed study of the Chinese ceramic tradition in all its rich diversity. The seventh part deals with the transfer of Chinese ceramic technology to the rest of the world. … there is plenty to keep an avid reviewer engaged, and the story Kerr and Wood tell is laced with a multitude of remarkable facts and juicy human interest morsels. … The book is copiously illustrated throughout, making good use of contemporary drawing and prints, notable the illustrations from the Thien Kung Wu (AD 1637) showing a variety of kiln-related activities. There is no question that Ceramic Technology represents a great leap forward, a distillation of knowledge which earlier generations of Chinese ceramicists would have wanted to keep a closely guarded secret, and a testament to the remarkable history of innovation and tradition of continuous ceramic production in China.' Antiquity
'… this work on Chinese ceramics offers a wealth of information to those readers worldwide who are interested in ceramics, ceramic technology, and the economics and artistic importance of ceramics. … Cambridge University Press should be thanked by scholars interested in ceramics for allowing the authors of this book the scope of 918 pages, 172 illustrations many of them in color, 11 charts, and 147 tables all of this devoted to the wealth of detail which makes Ceramic Technology truly comprehensive in so many related areas. … Most scholars will use it as a reference work and it is superbly set up for that with extensive notation, clear and subject specific titles and subtitles listed in the table of contents, an index that has been designed to be user friendly even for non-sinologists, and useful tables at the end. … The authors are to be congratulated for their clear and lucid prose.' History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences
See more reviews
Customer reviews

17th Oct 2024 by UName-942741
I think that is great & confortable the relation between the UNAM and Cambridge Universities for the conocement.

Log in to review

Review was not posted due to profanity
×

, create a review

(If you're not , sign out)

Please enter the right captcha value

Please enter a star rating.

Your review must be a minimum of 12 words.

How do you rate this item?

Reviews must contain at least 12 words about the product.

×

Product details
- Date Published: October 2004
- format: Hardback
- isbn: 9780521838337
- length: 968 pages
- dimensions: 255 x 199 x 64 mm
- weight: 2.845kg
- contains: 75 b/w illus. 85 colour illus. 55 tables
- availability: In stock
Table of Contents
Preface
1. Setting the scene
2. Clays
3. Kilns
4. Manufacturing methods and sequences
5. Glazes
6. Pigments, enamels and gilding
7. Transfer
List of illustrations
List of tables
Chronology.
Look Inside
Authors
Rose Kerr, Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Chief Curator, Far Eastern Section, Asian Department, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
Nigel Wood, University of Westminster, Harrow
Professor of Ceramics, Department of Ceramics, University of Westminster, Harrow.