"For centuries Chinese ceramics have been the objects most coveted in the West by collectors with an interest in the arts of Asia. The extraordinary innovations of Chinese potters court among the most outstanding accomplishments in the cultural heritage of the world since the Neolithic era. Systematic study of Chinese ceramics, begun in the eighteenth century with the French Jesuit Pere d'Entrecolles, has been greatly enlarged in the twentieth century, and since the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976, extensive excavations at kiln sites have yielded invaluable new insights into the chronological development of ceramic forms, glaze types and decorative styles. This remarkable book cites all the latest scientific and archaeological evidence, examining provenance, technique, archaeological and historical context, and ancient traditions of Chinese connoisseurship and patronage to provide an integrated and highly detailed approach to the subject." "In over 700 color photographs specially taken for this book, a wide range of imperial and regional, decorative and practical, export and domestic, ceremonial and funerary wares are fully represented."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Catalog of an exhibition organized by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in collaboration with the Percival David Foundation of Chinese Art. Many of the porcelains in this volume were once owned by Chinese emperors: all are extraordinary specimens. Ranging from the ninth to the 18th centuries, they opitomize the sophistication of imperial Chinese taste. Five essays by scholars of Chinese art describe the significance of these ceramics and review recent archaeological developments contributing to their study. Fine color plates. No index. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This is a guide to Chinese ceramics which cites the latest scientific and archaeological evidence, as well as ancient traditions of Chinese connoisseurship and patronage.

Now available in paperback, this sumptuously illustrated book is the definitive guide to the provenance, technique, history and ancient traditions of Chinese ceramics. This book is an indispensable resource for all collectors, connoisseurs and students of Chinese ceramics, as well as anyone with an interest in Asia's cultural heritage.