Ancient Chinese Ceramics Identification Lectures

Author: Lu Jianchu
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The author, from a family with scholarly traditions, early pursued studies in literature and history, and has dedicated over two decades to the research of ancient ceramics, possessing extensive experience in appraisal and collection. Having felt that there have been numerous works on ancient Chinese calligraphy, painting, and literary theory, the author believed that modern appraisers of ancient paintings and calligraphy could serve as benchmarks. However, he lamented the scarcity of specialized works on ancient ceramics from the past. Thus, he resolved to explore the subtleties of traditional ceramic studies, extensively reading ancient texts related to ceramics, reorganizing scattered records, clarifying nascent ideas and unconscious inferences, and referencing modern archaeological findings, scholarly writings, as well as classical aesthetics in both China and the West, and modern industrial design to uncover the rules of ancient craft creation, which he then outlined in his work. With such a broad perspective, the author naturally broke new ground in his approach. His aim was to inherit and advance Chinese ceramic studies, elevating ceramic appraisal techniques to the realm of art philosophy, and using traditional Chinese culture to assess national treasures. This was indeed a commendable endeavor.
This book not only inherits profound traditions and creativity but is also characterized by rigorous structure, deep thinking, broad coverage, and elegant language. All citations are properly referenced, making it a valuable resource for scholars to verify and consult. The author is well-versed in the creations of famous kilns throughout history, excels in appraisal, and has a rich collection. The images included are therefore all authentic. Though titled "Lecture Notes," the content is far from a rigid textbook. Instead, it meticulously designed a learning path, allowing readers to systematically and comprehensively understand this field, which is particularly commendable.
Moreover, Mr. Jianchu emphasizes the exploration of the relationship between classical Chinese aesthetic thought and ceramic art. The book often includes ceramic aesthetic terminology, involving various art forms, making it highly engaging to read. This also expands the content on the appraisal of ancient ceramics. This is a reading guide on ancient ceramic appraisal. The book is divided into seven sections and forty-four chapters, covering aspects such as the types, symbols, forms, production methods, decorations, inscriptions, and provenance of ceramics. It is richly illustrated, with elegant language and properly referenced citations, making it a valuable reference for scholars.