No comments about Porcelain in Russia: 18th-19th Centuries, The Gardner Factory.

No comments about Adams Ceramics: Staffordshire Potters and Pots, 1779-1998 (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

3 comments about Scandinavian Art Pottery: Denmark and Sweden.

1. This is the best available introduction to Danish and Swedish pottery that I know of. Especially the chapters on "Royal Copenhagen", "Saxbo" and "Arne Bang" are excellent. The material on Swedish pottery are not at all that good but still O.K.



2. I'll begin by stating that I am an avid collector with extensive knowledge of Scandinavian studio art pottery. And while I don't consider myself necessarily and authority on the topic, I'm not writing a book on it either. I found Hecht's book informative on some levels and largely misinformative or under-informative on others. The information gathered here filled a gap in collector's books that was long overdue. It is unfortunate, however, that this book is littered with very poor and inaccurate references to its topic. It contains either false, nebulous or no reference at all to some pottery marks and their meanings & rarity. Some of the most significant factories and artists are often barely touched on or left out completely while several pages will be devoted to others that are comparatively far less significant. I also found that of those artists featured, many have no reference to their most representative work. Not to mention, 3/4 of the book is devoted to Danish work, with the last afterthought 1/4 to Sweden, which is, in my opinion, diametrically allocated. And as for values, I don't know where these came from -- some are strangely through the roof while the very few absolute hottest collectible artists will be strangely undervalued. I hate to think that the author is providing this to help sell her own collection at terribly inflated values alongside her Fleetwood Mac albums and tour buttons on eBay while picking up the best pieces at lower prices. Some of us are not fooled.



3. I'm not a collector of pottery of any kind. I saw this book at a friend's and started reading it. The history of the pottery houses and different genres are very well explained here and it's a compelling read. I was able to even see styles and artists that matched my sensibilities. Overall, I learned something new and saw many pieces of art pottery that I enjoy. I understand why Scandinavian art pottery is so collectable now.

2 comments about Noritake Collectibles A to Z: A Pictorial Record & Guide to Values.

1. In one volume, Spain takes the reader through Noritake's art deco production. That is an important point--this volume is not about the dinnerware lines, but rather concerns itself with the art deco "fancyware" or giftware items. Organized alphabetically, beautiful cake plates, dresser boxes, vases, etc. are illustrated, and chapters start off with excellent introductions. The opening chapter itself is very helpful, outlining the overlapping "Nippon" and "Noritake" collecting periods. Not just a collector book, this book also provides a history of the company, and is well-written, accurate, and the best collector book available on the subject. Highly recommended.



2. Even if you have absolutely no idea what Noritake is, you'll love this book. Why? The writing is masterful, the photography superb, and the many pictures in brilliant colour which show off the glorious lustre of these precious antiques. A coffee table book not to be missed! :-)

2 comments about English Pottery (Fitzwilliam Museum Handbooks).

1. First of all for the price I thought it would be better; it's my fault I didn't look too closely and didn't notice that this is a paper back. I also thought that it would show pottery marks and be more than just a book of pictures with some information.
   
   The book is just three eighths of an inch thick and when it arrived I thought it was the supplement.
   
   The pictures are accompanied by the history of the type of item in the picture; for example item number 3 on page 16 is 'flagon;' underneath it says 'probably Derbyshire or Staffordshire 1630-60.' Then it says 'Dark red stained earthenware covered with glossy black, iron stained lead glaze. Height 29.4cm. Glaisher Catalogue 23-1928.'
   
   On the opposite page there are a couple of paragraphs on the history of homely pottery known as Midlands Yelloware and Midlands Blackware and then at the bottom of the paragraphs recommendations for further reading - and that's it on every page.
   
   As I said not what I was expecting; there are some wonderful photographs, one per item and there are sixty four of them, but I am not likely to come across any of these items unless I am watching the Antiques Road Show or visiting a museum.
   
   The introduction gives a fairly interesting brief history of English Pottery and there is a glossary of terms where you can learn that `grog' is ground up fired clay and that `earthenware' is Opaque, porous pottery fired at temperatures between 450 and 1100ºc.
   
   But it is a museum book and not really for the antique collector.



2. I acquired this book solely for its superb illustrations. Each piece is given its own, full-colour page, opposite which is a description, not only of its use to the society which produced it, but of the body, glaze, and decorative technique and style. I found much information therein which had been ignored by longer and heavier books on the subject of English ceramics. Also included with each description is a brief selection of titles which will ease further research. This is a beautiful little book (like all the Firzwilliam Museum Handbooks) which would make a very welcome gift for any ceramic historian or collector.

1 comments about Qing Porcelain.

1. This is a must in the collectors reference book library. It is well written, beutiful pictures and a beutiful lay out. As a beginner in collecting porcelin, after three years in Vietnam and two in China I was happy to find a copy for the low prize of 252 HK$ (32 US$). I think the book is worth 250-300 US$.

No comments about Derby Porcelain Figures, 1750-1848 (Faber Monographs on Pottery and Porcelain).

1 comments about Pottery and Porcelain (Culture of China).

1. Small book with lots of coloured pictures, not what I wanted. Hardly any information, about 6 written pages.

No comments about Miniature Coloured Cottages.

No comments about Porcelain Potpourri.