Contains color photographs and brief descriptions of five hundred contemporary teapots, each including the title of the work and the name of its creator.

For must of us, plates and chargers are primarily vessels for serving and holding food. In the eyes of the talented artists whose works are showcased in this collection, these objects are spectatular pieces to display on a table, sideboard or hutch.

Publisher Description

The amazing beauty and variety in these 500 bowls is a testament to the imagination and inventiveness of today's ceramist. Every technique from across the globe is presented here.

This three-volume encyclopedia on the history of American food and beverages serves as an ideal companion resource for social studies and American history courses, covering topics ranging from early American Indian foods to mandatory nutrition information at fast food restaurants. The expression "you are what you eat" certainly applies to Americans, not just in terms of our physical health, but also in the myriad ways that our taste preferences, eating habits, and food culture are intrinsically tied to our society and history. This standout reference work comprises two volumes containing more than 600 alphabetically arranged historical entries on American foods and beverages, as well as dozens of historical recipes for traditional American foods; and a third volume of more than 120 primary source documents. Never before has there been a reference work that coalesces this diverse range of information into a single set. The entries in this set provide information that will transform any American history research project into an engaging learning experience. Examples include explanations of how tuna fish became a staple food product for Americans, how the canning industry emerged from the Civil War, the difference between Americans and people of other countries in terms of what percentage of their income is spent on food and beverages, and how taxation on beverages like tea, rum, and whisky set off important political rebellions in U.S. history.

Never before has there been such an extensive and remarkable collection of ceramic pitchers that simply redefines the art. Juried by Terry Gess, this provocative colour gallery presents 500 breathtaking images that include everything from handbuilt to wheel-thrown, practical to sculptural, round to square.

It’s an absolutely unequalled photographic gallery: no other book has ever presented such a varied, captivating collection of contemporary ceramics based on the human form. The works range from representational to abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism, and many of them come from leaders in the field such as Judy Fox, Kurt Weiser, and Andy Nasisse. Kay Yourist has produced female forms that are smooth, minimalist vessels with only the slightest hint of breasts and belly. The simple, rounded features of Diane Lublinski’s black-and-white figures possess a fun, clown-like whimsy. Michael A. Prather’s mournful ceramic portraits have frowning faces and pointed dunce-like heads in a muted color palette. Many of the ceramics come with detail images and illuminating artist’s commentary.

Celebrate the amazing evolution of beadwork from a simple craft to expressive art. Every stunning sculpture, vessel, figure, loomed and woven work, free-form installation, and piece of jewelry shown here in glorious color photos is gallery-quality and thoroughly unique. Jennifer Maestre's intricate, swooping pencil-point bead sculptures explore form, motion, and space. A. Kimberlin Blackburn has fashioned lush Hawaiian Island scenes out of glass beads and hand-carved wood. The ever-innovative David K. Chatt has entries ranging from the pointed commentary, "White Men in Suits," to vivid jewelry. For a little humor, try Valeria Harlow's masterful "Toe Mangler," a testament to every woman who has ever suffered in uncomfortable shoes. This amazing collection is truly state-of-the-art.

The 500 years of teapot design has come full circle. The metamorphic productions from China in the fifteenth century are now the models of similar designs from the People's Republic. In between there is displayed, in the variety of teapots from all over the world, a richness of imagination, inventiveness and humor which makes Edward Bramah's beautiful and comprehensive collector's guide long overdue. A source book and a true labor of love.

No other volume has ever presented such a diverse and captivating collection of contemporary animal-themed ceramics. Juried by distinguished artist and educator Joe Bova, this magnificent gallery includes pieces from an international group of artists; the beautifully crafted works range from the representational to the abstract, from artful realism to provocative surrealism (including animal-human hybrids). Ann Marais image of a waterfowl painted onto a porcelain dish has a restrained, Asian quality. Sharkus painted and smoke-fired stoneware turtle could easily be mistaken for the living creature. Bova provides astute and illuminating commentary overall, with selected artists notes."