Porcelain and Bone China - Sasha Wardell

01 Nov 2004

The beautiful qualities of porcelain and bone china have fascinated patrons, collectors and makers alike for centuries. The two materials are often mistakenly perceived as one and the same clay, for they both posess qualities of the same whiteness, strength and translucency in greater or lesser degrees. However, on closer investigation, each material has its own particular characteristics, which merit further exploration and discussion.

Porcelain, in particular, is a well-documented subject both in traditional and contemporary terms. Bone china, on the other hand, appears to have had less "press" in its own right. This could be due to its limitations, inflexibility and idiosyncratic nature, but it has also historically been labelled as an "industrial" material which, by definition, has served to narrow its appeal. Porcelain and Bone China aims to redress the balance by demonstrating how thse clays have played an equally important role, both within and outside the industrial domain.

The book includes an examination of the cross-referencing between industry and individual maker. Historically this has always been the case but currently, both in the UK and abroad, contemporary approaches and new developments in manufacturing methods have spawned a symbiotic relationship between industry and the maker, thus reviving the trend.

Likewise, outside of industry, individuals are constantly adjusting their materials, recipes and techniques in the desire to explore the potential of these clays and to push the boundaries of design, form and decoration. The book is illustrated by over 250 photos of pieces by both established and new generation ceramicists worldwide, to reflect the superb range of work being made.

Porcelain and Bone China combines narrative and technical information covering, in detail, the respective qualities of these materials, whilst drawing comparisons and highlighting differences where appropriate. It will appeal to debutants, as well as aficionados, of these high-firing clays which have been steeped in a colourful and, at times, mysterious past.

studiopottery.co.uk's Comments

Facts:
Publication Date: 2004
Price: £25
ISBN: 1-86126-693-6
Binding: Hardback
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd, Ramsbury, Wiltshire, SN8 2HR.
Tel: 01672 520320
Edition: 1st

Please mention www.studiopottery.co.uk when contacting the publisher.