No comments about Porcelain from the Vung Tau Wreck: The Hallstrom Excavation.

1 comments about Pacific Coast Ship China.

1. Shipboard travel of any distance usually involved a voyage of several to many days. And on those days the passengers had to be fed. In the heyday of travel, say from the mid 1800 until the airlines took over passenger travel in the mid 1900's passengers enjoyed a sit down dinner served with china marked by the shipping company.
   
   Until now this has been a neglected area of study. This book is the first I've found on china used on board. It is a fairly all encompassing book, it has:
   o coverage of some 280 china patterns including hundreds of color photographs
   o a short description of some 75 companies that provided passenger travel in the Pacific
   o identification of some two dozen US Navy china patterns
   o listings of the major china manufacturers, often identifying their customers.
   
   As a first volume on the subject, this is an excellent effort and will probably become the standard reference work on the subject.

2 comments about Ceramic Coin Banks: Identification & Value Guide.

1. This 200 page softbound book contains over 1,000 full color, large, sharp photos of every type of ceramic coin bank. Each entry includes the description, size, dates and value (1997). Although essentially an I.D. and value guide, there is a considerable amount of information of value and interest to the collector. Included are: Ceramic Manufacturing Processes, Dating, Condition, Rarity Ratings, Geographical Ceramic Manufacturing Centers, and Photo Notes. Chapters range from Human heads, Humans, Cats, Dogs and Elephants, to Squirrel, Fish, Monkeys, Lions, Vegetables, Pots, Books, Vehicles and Ships and Purses. A complete glossary and bibliography are provided. Very useful for collectors of this popular topic.



2. This is a great book for the established or beginning coin bank collector! It really has a great variety for any type of specialized ceramic bank afficianado. As a long time collector & seller I recommend this book to any one!

3 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Sascha Brastoff: Identification & Values.

1. I was so pleased to receive this book. Mr. Conti elevates biographical data to a new plane. His descriptions are insightful and useful in the evaluation of Sascha art. This is one of the best books I've acquired on Amazon.



2. Thsi is one of the most informative books I own, and I have aver 100 books on Antiques and Collectibles. Wonderful pictures, price guide, and the most interesting biography of Sacha's life beginning in early childhood.



3. Very well written with wonderful pictures. A most interesting biography of Saschas life. Anyone interested in pottery, sculpture, and many other forms of art will love this book. Feel free to contact me regarding this excellent book. I have a very large library of books on antiques and collectibles, this is my favorite.

2 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Noritake.

1. Joan VanPatten's book is not for the china pattern enthusiast. This book is for serious Noritake collectors who want to see the broad range of products this fantastic factory produced in its early years.

   This book only focuses on the "pre-war" years when Noritake's products were first being imported into the US and other nations. Joan's book provides excellent backstamp references so you know what you are buying as well as to know what the reproductions look like so you don't get taken.

   You will see the eye-popping best of the best you may only see available on ebay or at a Nippon show. However, once you know what to look for and are educated; you can pick up some incredible deals from antique dealers or garage sales because you know what you are looking for.

   The down sides, some of the pictures in this book are replicated in her other books. The price sheet is in the back at the book...very irritating when you are going back and forth from picture to price sheet to learn values of items.




2. Nice reference book, easy to follow with a price guide in the back. Unfortunatly, it has a limited number of patterns represented and no information on the types of pieces available for all but 4 or 5 patterns. I purchased this book hoping to learn more about the Rosemarie #6044 pattern I inherited from my father, but will have to try again with a different reference. I ended up keeping it for the information on patterns from the 1920's. It's helped me identify a Morimura Luncheon set from 1922 and other Noritake items I've purchased. The book also contains some limited information on old advertisements and some care suggestions for fine china.

1 comments about Hungarian Ceramics from the Zsolnay Manufactory, 1853-2001.

1. Having just enjoyed my first visit to Hungary, I became aware for the first time of this wonderful pottery. I first saw it at the flea market near the airport; then bought some at an antique shop near the Budapest Opera House. What I was told about the work of this factory fascinated me so I am glad to now have this beautiful reference book.

No comments about Zsolnay Ceramics: Collecting a Culture (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

5 comments about The Arcanum: The Extraordinary True Story.

1. I found the Arcanum to be a fascinating read, wether you care about porcelin or not. Gleeson is a great story teller. The book reads like a mystery thriller that you don't want to put down. I have given three copies to friends.



2. Exellent, well-researched, and easy to read. History of the discovery of the secrets of porcelain manufacture at Meissen, Saxony, Germany, 300 years ago by the imprisoned alchemist. Have read it twice now.



3. As a budding enthusiast of Meissen porcelain, I found this book enormously enjoyable and informative. Gleeson clearly and entertainingly presents the sometimes complicated and confusing story of the discovery of porcelain in the West. She vividly portrays the various characters involved in the discovery and early development of hard paste porcelain. Gleeson might not be a great writer, but I have to admit to waking up early to enjoy her book.
   
   Even is you have no interest in this area of decorative art, the story is fascinating enough in its own right to ensure a gripping and enjoyable read. Who knows, you may become a porcelain convert!



4. Porcelain, the ceramics world's equivalent of gold, is among humankind's most celebrated and beautiful inventions: the perfect porcelain item is translucent, and infinite variations of usage exist for it. It was notoriously expensive because for centuries it could only be obtained overland, through China - some thought it was created by magic, and even among educated people despaired that the sands and clays necessary to make it would be unavailable in the West. All until a rather mad semi-conman, who had already been chucked out of one royal house, lucked upon the patronage of the Elector of Saxony, and then lucked upon the winning formula, thus bringing the art of porcelain-making to the West. For about a generation, Dresden had the monopoly on porcelain manufacturing; following that, industrial spies were able to sell the secret to France (Sevres) and various other European capitals. Nevertheless, Meissen porcelain is still celebrated as Europe's best. Gleeson's story is an excellent recapturing of the strange conventions of the seventeenth and eighteenth century economies and the strange means by which one might make one's fortune under the ancien regime. She is also blessed by some truly colorful characters: Bottger the fortunate (if not accidental)inventor; Herold the painter (who found a way of decorating and tinting the porcelain), and the Elector himself, who was ruthless enough to hold Bottger prisoner until he yielded the formula.



5. Janet Gleeson is not a storyteller. This becomes apparent as she pops between explaining the arcanum, porcelain making, political strife and the lives of the people involved. The subjects are so compelling, however, that you will not mind too much. It is apparent, too, that she has a passion for the subject of porcelain making, and she does manage to infuse the reader with her interest.

5 comments about The Collectible Teapot & Tea Calendar 2007.

1. I've been buying these calendars for around four years now. They are just absolutely gorgeous. The pictures are bright and clear. Also I love how much work was put into each picture with the addition of certain desserts (that are just so pretty) and other miscellaneous things - such as books, glasses, paint brushes, and etc - just to give the picture that extra realistic touch.
   
   Each month has a different style teapot, so you're not just going to see the same thing over and over again. The teapot selection is unique, too. Also there are interesting tidbits of information about the teapot and quotes about tea.
   
   I'd highly recommend this calendar to anyone who is a collector of teapots or enjoys tea parties.



2. It's a shame there is only ONE teapot calendar this year but it's great that this is the one!!! Very lovely, perfectly fits the space I have for it, and absolutely makes me want to keep a pot of tea on all day long!!!! Beautifully done - quite lovely!



3. This calendar is beautiful. If you like teapots, the pictures are
   the best! Bought one for my mother and myself.



4. This is the second year my daughter requested this calendar as a gift for Christmas. I purchased it this year through amazon.com and found both the item and the price a great buy! She was delighted to receive it again!
   My first experience with amazon.com was excellent!
   Thanks!



5. Each year I buy this calendar, and each year I am amazed by the beautiful photographs that incorporate such a sharp eye for detail. The text that accompanies each photograph is also full of information that places each teapot within it's historic context.

1 comments about The Bowles Collection of 18Th-Century English and French Porcelain.

1. Simon Spero has done a fine job amassing a catalogue of the Henry & Constance Bowles collection. This book has astonished me with its vivid images and beautiful pieces. I've loved it from the moment I got it. It has served as a wonderful reference as well as an inspiration. I've started my own collection because of this INCREDIBLE beautiful book. I hope every porcelain lover or lover of beautiful things buys at least one copy.