Encyclopedia of Chinese Art Collecting and Appreciation, Volume 2: Ceramics

Author: Shi Shuqing, Editor-in-Chief of Collector's Magazine
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Ceramic products jointly fired by water, fire, and stone, witnessing the development of ancient Chinese civilization, and undeniably becoming one of the biggest hotspots in art collection. The Chinese ancient ceramics, leading the trend, boast diverse shapes, rich colors, and elegant patterns, showcasing superb craftsmanship and artistic excellence. They not only serve functional purposes but also hold appreciative and collectible value. The rustic yet grand ancient pottery, the emerald-like jade-like celadon, the elegant and graceful official kiln blue-and-white porcelain, the snow-white porcelain as clear as crystal, and the colorful and vibrant painted porcelain, as well as the pure and graceful monochrome glaze wares, all reflect the aesthetic preferences of the Chinese nation and the profound Eastern artistic significance.
With easy-to-understand text and a practical and actionable guide to appreciation and collection, this book invites you into a world of dazzling art. This encyclopedia is divided into six volumes: Bronze Ware Volume, Ceramic Volume, Jade Ware Volume, Calligraphy and Painting Volume, Furniture Volume, and Traditional Craftsmanship Volume. The book features a novel structure, providing wire diagrams for various art categories, introducing the exact names and functions of representative standard pieces in each category, laying a foundation for readers' collection and appreciation activities. The accompanying illustrations include rare treasures of China or art masterpieces highly sought after in recent major auction houses. These exquisite images, combined with textual descriptions and the latest market valuations and actual prices, not only delight readers but also provide a reliable reference for art investment.
Each volume includes an appendix dedicated to the industry jargon and terminology of the respective art category, facilitating readers' queries and understanding. The book is interspersed with ingenious snippets of information, offering various tips and methods for identifying the authenticity and quality of art pieces.