Chinese export porcelains of the late 18th to late 19th centuries are fully discussed in this book. Lists and photography profusely illustrate all of the standard patterns: over 1000 items illustrated in black and white and more than 100 in color. Covers Canton, Fitzhugh, Rose Medallion, Bird and Butterfly, and the other associated patterns.

Information on "origins and development of the Chinese written language" precedes the extensive catalog of marks, including marks in regular kaishu script, marks in zhuanshu seal scripts, symbols used as marks, directory of marks, and list of potters.

This book features photographs of marks alongside their actual pieces for perspective. Other books simply show line drawings, but this massive encyclopedia educates collectors and researchers on what the marks actually look like on a piece of pottery or porcelain. Over 7,500 photographs of around 4,000 marks and items, from Abingdon to Zsolnay, are featured in this huge publication. Organized alphabetically by company, this book is the most user-friendly marks book you'll find, telling readers quickly what it looks like, when it was made, and who made it. Appraisers and dealers will find this guide extremely useful; they can learn a little bit about many different marks, rather than having to weed through extensive historical information on the thousands of marks produced. As an added feature, cross-referencing indexes are provided, by date, shape, and company. 2004 values.