The British Museum holds the world's broadest collection Ming ceramics, here published for the first time in its entirety. Nearly a thousand items are illustrated, identified, dated and discussed, incorporating the most up-to-date archaeological discoveries and scientific research previously available only in Chinese or specialist journals. The author first provides an accessible historical context, followed by stimulating essays on the porcelain industry, trade and diplomacy, and aspects of social life and burials in the ...
Read More
The British Museum holds the world's broadest collection Ming ceramics, here published for the first time in its entirety. Nearly a thousand items are illustrated, identified, dated and discussed, incorporating the most up-to-date archaeological discoveries and scientific research previously available only in Chinese or specialist journals. The author first provides an accessible historical context, followed by stimulating essays on the porcelain industry, trade and diplomacy, and aspects of social life and burials in the Ming dynasty. Each chapter of the catalogue is then introduced with a brief summary of its defining characteristics. New and revised translations are given for every inscription, with transcriptions in printed Chinese characters. Every entry is illustrated with specially commissioned color photography. A wealth of additional information, much of it never before published in English, is clearly presented for ease of reference in chronologies, maps, appendices, glossary and bibliography. The result is an essential book for any collector, student or scholar.
Read Less
