Beginning in the mid-thirteenth century, the kilns of Dehua, capital of the Fujian Province in southeast China, began producing brilliant white porcelain pieces, the likes of which had never been seen before. Today, blanc de Chine pieces are some of the most sought-after collectibles in the world of Chinese art, their aesthetic appeal lying in their stark shapes and color, and their impossibly delicate, glasslike glaze. "Blanc De Chine" weaves together the most engaging, authoritative story of this precious art ever told. For the connoisseur, author Robert Blumenfield presents dazzling photographs and important research findings from around the world. For the novice collector, he details the differences between true blanc de Chine and other, less distinguished white wares. For the Asian art enthusiast, he provides a rich historical account of the evolution of the form, and the character and technical mastery that distinguish its finest pieces. A major contribution to the field, "Blanc De Chine" will be treasured by all who appreciate the breathtaking beauty and fascinating tradition of this exquisite art.

Dehua porcelain, or Blanc de Chine as it is known in the West, is pure ivory-white porcelain made at the Dehua kilns in the southern Chinese province of Fujian. It rose to international significance in the 17th century and inspired aristocratic patronage in the development of European porcelain. Its popularity at home and abroad continued and the k

This is the first comprehensive publication for thirty years on Blanc de Chine, a pure ivory-white porcelain made in the Dehua kilns of Fujian, a province of Southern China. Contains a catalogue of the important Hickley Collection in Singapore.

Dist. by the University of Hawaii Press.

Welcome to a year of sustainable living with renowned ceramicist Christopher Spitzmiller, with advice and inspiration for seasonal entertaining, gardening, tending heritage chickens, and more. Christopher Spitzmiller is known to his many friends and Instagram fans as the ultimate weekend farmer, who raises his own chicks, grows his own flowers, and puts up his own jam, cider, and honey. In his first book, he treats readers to a full year at his country retreat, Clove Brook Farm. Organized into four sections by season, the book begins with spring: the lilacs and appleblossoms, the dovecote with Indian fantail pigeons, Easter lunch, with daffodils and porcelain, and Spitzmiller's recipe for rhubarb pie. Summer brings hydrangeas, dahlias, readying the chickens for the Dutchess County Fair, and a garden cocktail party. Fall focuses on collecting, cider making, an orchard luncheon and a Thanksgiving table, honey-gathering, and planting bulbs. Winter closes the book with holiday decorating, gilding allium, a holiday buffet, and homemade gifts. Filled with tips on creating beautiful seasonal flower arrangements, living with animals, and garden planning, this is a wonderful resource and gift for anyone longing for farmstead living.

In her first book, Elle Decor A-List decorator Ashley Whittaker shares the secrets of her colorful, pattern-filled classic rooms. Ashley Whittaker’s work is distinctively classic and sophisticated, but also inviting and warm. Dubbed a neo-traditionalist, she fearlessly marries adventurous colors and patterns in rooms yet still manages to retain a sense of elegance and restraint. In The Well-Loved House, she shares a selection of dwellings, from gracious Connecticut estates to chic Manhattan pieds-à-terre to waterfront beach houses on the Florida coast, most exclusively photographed for this book, including her own house never before seen. Whittaker believes houses are meant to be beautiful, but also lived in and enjoyed, and she shares her knowledge and strategies for achieving this interplay. Within each house, Whittaker offers guidance on furniture plans, complementing the architecture of a space, playing with color, and mixing pattern. She explains why it is important to have consistent threads throughout a home, but also contrast and juxtaposition. The results are stunning: Bohemian patterns mix with classic palettes; rich, saturated color mingles with highly polished finishes. Lacquered blue walls show off a collection of blue-and-white porcelain. An inviting L-shaped sofa and games table reinvent an unused library into a favorite space for socializing. Whittaker’s houses all share both a sense of drama and a sense of comfort—they are homes that welcome you at the end of a long day, homes for living, homes to love.

The first book in the Encyclopedia of Japanese Art series is devoted to Hirado porcelain and is the only work devoted exclusively to the subject in English. This much needed volume traces the origins of one of Japan's great porcelain manufacturers from its first years in the 17th century to its closure early in the 20th century. Illustrated with over 100 color plates, almost all of which are published for the first time, it displays the extraordinary range of Hirado wares originally made exclusively for the wealthy Matsura family. It conclusively demonstrates that Hirado was an important kiln in the history of Japanese ceramics and its widely varied wares rank among the finest made. Within the appendices of this book is a unique and comprehensive section devoted to over 90 marks found on Hirado wares. The eccentric charm and superlative quality of this rare porcelain is admirably displayed in this book by scholar and dealer, Louis Lawrence with an introduction by the renowned collector David Hyatt King.--Amazon.com.