Relaying a chronological account of the Metropolitan Museum's collection of pottery, porcelain and faïence, this book reveals the economic, cultural, and social history of diverse cultures through their ceramic and plastic arts. The catalogue has a global reach, covering the Far East, the Near East, and Europe while tracking the medium from its origins in Dynastic China to the elaborate works in the Rococo style. In his account, Pier also points to areas of the museum's ceramics and plastics collection that will continue to develop into a strong collection. At the time of writing, he identified the Museum's European and Near East collections as particularly promising.

"This very thorough catalogue, with excellent footnotes and bibliography, firmly places the subject in its broadest context." --Apollo Covers approximately 95 pieces, representing Chelsea, Bow, Derby, Worcester, Chamberlain-Worcester, Caughley, Longton Hall, Spode, and Hilditch and Sons.