1 comments about Charlie Carrillo: Tradition and Soul.

1. If you are into southwestern folk art, specifically from New Mexico, than this book belongs in your library. Do not be put off by the title being in Spanish as the text is in English, with the exception of a bilingual section. The works of master santero,(one makes saints, usually in wood) Charlie Carillo are featured throughout the book that is is in full color. The text is quite interesting as the subject of santero is explored in both a historical and contemporary context. The text does include Spanish but is limited to the foreward. The tradition of the santero is thus examined and brought into the current state. There is also a discussion of related subjects like the Penitentes, which is a Roman Catholic Brotherhood dating back to the 1700's in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Included in the printed word is a concise glossary that provides defintions to the terms used that includes materials used etc. to create the santos and retablos(flat wood panel paintings). Of particular interest is the section that introduces the reader to the santos. This includes short "bios" on the santos and their particular role in the life and religious drama. This is extremely important to understand, in order to see the signifince of these figures for which the artist has toiled for hours to create and "bring to life." The feast day of celebration is given as well for all of the saints "bios." There is also an extensive bibliography, information on New Mexican Hispanic Culture and personal awards and achievements given to Charlie Carillo for his works(some 3,500 pieces as of the books printing) as well as a list of exhibits that have featured his works. Carillo also shares some interesting stories related to the pieces featured which includes the inspiration to the creatve process. Although the written word is extremely interesting the color photographs of the three dimensional santos and flat retablos are fantastic. Sometimes there are two or three different related pieces on a page but this does detract from the fine details given each piece. An artist, like any other person in their respective field of interest should be an evolving person that gets better with age. Some his earlier works, which are featured from the late 70's are rudimentary compared to his exquisitely detailed labors of love made more recently. The various phases of his evolving artistry is outlined and displayed. These are some of the most inspirational works you will ever see from an exceptionally talented folk artist. Great stuff to browse through whenever, this is a book for anyone interested in folk art or who may be a woodcarver themself. Highly recommended for the collector of books related to the arts of New Mexcio.

1 comments about Iznik Pottery (Eastern Art).

1. I love the history details and ceramic ideas that this book provides.

No comments about Pottery from Spanish Shipwrecks 1500-1800.

No comments about Chinese Armorial Porcelain for the Dutch Market.

5 comments about Blue Ridge China Today.

1. I found this very useful. I have seven different Blue Ridge Pottery books that I used to identify over 1000 pieces I owned. Now I have dispursed my collection and have no use for my books so I will sell them.



2. This book is a wonderful follow-up to their first book! The pictures are clear; as are the names, descriptions and prices. What more could you ask for to assist you in making knowledgeable decisions about Blue Ridge Pottery? We have used this book and their previous book to help us price new pieces for our collection and have found them both to be invaluable! This book is especially good at showing some of the harder-to-find Blue Ridge pieces! Another "must-have" for any serious collector!



3. This book has been extremely helpful to me. I couldnt find half of the patterns in the other Blue Ridge book written by Betty and Bill Newbound. I buy and sell Blue Ridge so I am constantly looking for the names of patterns. Frances and John Ruffin are WONDERFUL people. When I cant find a pattern in their book, I email them with a picture and they tell me the pattern name. It cant get better than that! :))



4. I have every book published on the subject of Blue Ridge china & Southern Potteries. This is the one that my friends and I use on a daily basis, rarely looking at the others. This book is the first one that we pick up and the one we find the easiest to use and the most beneficial. The authors show hundreds of samples of Blue Ridge in an organized fashion that offers assistance with pattern names, shapes and pricing. The authors obviously used their own collection as well as photos from the collections of others. They have shown Blue Ridge as it is found today (many times with defects). It is a tremendous help to me and I could not do without it! I highly recommend that anyone interested in Blue Ridge dinnerware or china pieces purchase this book. You will not be sorry.



5. You would have thought that these authors with the resources at their disposal (collections they visited and chances to take picures of real good pieces)would not have used so many bad pictures. Teapots, candy boxes etc. with mismatched lids. Pattern names placed with wrong plates etc. Would not recommend this book!!!!!

1 comments about The Potter's Primer.

1. I teach an evening college class and this book has been an excellent resource. It poses - step by step - exactly what to do and how to do it. The photography is superb - allowing students to derive their own ideas from what they see. For the beginner, I couldn't recommend it more. Excellent addition to any art lovers book collection.

No comments about Treasures of Imperial Japan: Ceramics from the Khalili Collection (Nasser D. Khalili Collection of Japanese Art).

2 comments about Rookwood Pottery Identification and Value Guide: Identification & Value Guide : Bookends, Paperweights, Animal Figurals.

1. This is a good book for the beginning Rookwood collector. But for those more interested in the earlier, artist produced pieces, this book will be no help as it focuses more on the later mass production wares.



2. This book is an absolute must for the Rookwood collector. The most complete survey of Rookwood figurals and paperweights available in the book marketplace today. The book gives very accurate market value estimates for each item and ranks each item's rarity from "never seen" to "common". The authors, however, deserve great praise for the scholarship which allowed them to identify the Finisher's responsible for the "Finisher's marks" occasionally impressed into the bottom of some Rookwood pieces. Having potter's names associated with these marks insures additional valuation increases for many examples of Rookwood pottery both artist signed and production. A terrific book and a great addition to any collector's library!

1 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of the Dakota Potteries: Identification & Values.

1. I really enjoyed the insights that Ms. Dommel brought to this boo

1 comments about Ceramic Arts Studio: The Legacy of Betty Harrington (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book has very interesting information and lots of pictures
   A good reference