Science and Civilisation in China, Part 12, Ceramic Technology

Reviews / Votes

'... huge and unique work of scholarship ... huge and unique work of scholarship ... huge and unique work of scholarship ... there is much to learn on the impact of this technology around the world from the seventh to the 21st centuries.' Antiques Trade Gazette 'Kerr and Wood are to be congratulated on this authoritative contribution to our understanding of Chinese ceramic technology.' Asian Affairs '... an amazing compilation of comprehensive and up-to-date information on the history of Chinese ceramic technology ... the authors have presented the information in a clear manner that makes it accessible to the non-technical reader ... well worth waiting for ... It will stand as the definitive work on this subject for the foreseeable future.' Northern Ceramic Society Newsletter '... one can find information about almost every aspect of Chinese ceramics with well-chosen, cogent references to follow up. ... In its breadth and depth of coverage this book is unprecedented in the literature on East Asian ceramics. It is also a very suitable addition to the Needham series, which continues both to record and advance our knowledge of Chinese science and civilization.' Journal of the School of Oriental and African Studies '... comprehensive study ... the authors' impressive grasps of historical sources ... this book is indispensable for those interested in Chinese ceramics and the history of science ... Rose Kerr and Nigel Wood are to be congratulated for this landmark achievement.' Ming Studies 'This part in itself provides what will doubtless become an invaluable reference for students and scholars of Chinese ceramics. The following parts (clays, kilns, manufacturing methods and sequences, glazes, pigments, enamels and gilding) provide and exceptionally detailed study of the Chinese ceramic tradition in all its rich diversity. The seventh part deals with the transfer of Chinese ceramic technology to the rest of the world. ... there is plenty to keep an avid reviewer engaged, and the story Kerr and Wood tell is laced with a multitude of remarkable facts and juicy human interest morsels. ... The book is copiously illustrated throughout, making good use of contemporary drawing and prints, notable the illustrations from the Thien Kung Wu (AD 1637) showing a variety of kiln-related activities. There is no question that Ceramic Technology represents a great leap forward, a distillation of knowledge which earlier generations of Chinese ceramicists would have wanted to keep a closely guarded secret, and a testament to the remarkable history of innovation and tradition of continuous ceramic production in China.' Antiquity '... this work on Chinese ceramics offers a wealth of information to those readers worldwide who are interested in ceramics, ceramic technology, and the economics and artistic importance of ceramics. ... Cambridge University Press should be thanked by scholars interested in ceramics for allowing the authors of this book the scope of 918 pages, 172 illustrations many of them in color, 11 charts, and 147 tables all of this devoted to the wealth of detail which makes Ceramic Technology truly comprehensive in so many related areas. ... Most scholars will use it as a reference work and it is superbly set up for that with extensive notation, clear and subject specific titles and subtitles listed in the table of contents, an index that has been designed to be user friendly even for non-sinologists, and useful tables at the end. ... The authors are to be congratulated for their clear and lucid prose.' History and Philosophy of the Life Sciences