A handbook of Chinese ceramics - Hardcover

Valenstein, Suzanne G

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0870995146 ISBN 13: 9780870995149

Publisher: Distributed by H.N. Abrams, 1989

Synopsis

This handsome book is at once a general survey of Chinese ceramics from the early Neolithic period to the present day and an essential reference volume for art historians and connoisseurs. Originally published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1975 as an introduction to its vast collection of Chinese ceramics, the book was highly praised by experts in the field. Over the last decade, however, thanks to accelerated archaeological activity in The People's Republic of China and important archaeological discoveries made elsewhere, substantial changes have been made in Chinese ceramic chronology and attributions. At the same time, analytic studies of Chinese ceramic technology have altered many basic concepts. This edition, written in the light of such enhanced knowledge, presents a far more detailed and comprehensive picture than could have been possible only a few years ago. A wealth of new information has been reported and integrated into the book, which begins over one thousand years earlier than the first edition. Almost half of the 335 objects illustrated are new to this edition; a 32-page section of color plates adds immeasurably to the usefulness of the book. This edition uses the Pinyin system of Chinese romanization; there is an appendix giving Pinyin/Wade-Giles equivalents, with the Chinese characters, as well as a chronology, maps, a glossary, selected readings, and an index. Invaluable for scholars will be the new technical information, references to relevant Chinese archaeological journals, and an appendix giving selective archaeological and other documentary comparisons to objects in the Museum's collection that are illustrated in the book.

(This title was originally published in 1998/89.)

About this title

From Library Journal:

This revised and enlarged edition of a 1975 handbook to the Metropolitan Museum collections begins with the Neolithic period and continues through the Qing, touching briefly on the 20th century. Valenstein incorporates into this edition knowledge gained from recent archaeological discoveries in China and elsewhere; the work is further enhanced by the addition of 40 excellent color plates and many new illustrations. Still most useful as a guide to a major collection, this could also serve as an introductory survey of a large and complex subject. Primarily for special and graduate collections.
- Patricia R. Hausman, Coll. of William and Mary Lib., Williamsburg, Va.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Distributed by H.N. Abrams
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0870995146
• ISBN 13: 9780870995149
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 331