Oriental ceramics & works of art
T: +44 (0)20 7408 1638
F: +44 (0)20 7495 0707
Hours of business
10.00am to 6.00pm Monday-Friday
Address
ANITA GRAY,
Oriental & European Works of Art
58 Davies Street,
London,
W1K 5LP
Book Lists
AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF
CHINESE AND JAPANESE CERAMICS
Supplied by Margaret Medley
China
Ayers, J. G. and others
Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum, Istanbul
London, 1986. 3 quarto vols.
This is the largest collection of Chinese wares from the late thirteenth century onwards,
dominated by its blue and white, and celadon wares. A fully documented study of the
collection and its historical background, with about 4,000 pieces illustrated together with
the marks and inscriptions. Very expensive but an essential reference work for a specialised
area,
Beurdeley, M and C
Chinese Ceramics (Trans. Katherine Watson)
Thames & Hudson, London 1974.
A massive, expensive and lavishly illustrated general history. It unfortunately contains
many historical and technical inaccuracies, but is useful for its illustration.
Brankston, A.J.
Early Ming Wares from Ching-te-chen
Peking, 1937. Reprinted 1970.
An interesting account based on Chinese texts and connoisseurship. Unfortunately the
sources are not as a rule quoted, so its value is limited.
Bushell, Stephen W.
Chinese Pottery and Porcelain; being a translation of the T’ao-shuo
Oxford University Press, Kuala Lumpur, 1977 (Reprint of the original edition of 1910).
This was the first study by a Chinese author devoted exclusively to Chinese ceramics and
reflects the scholar’s attitude as it was in the 18th century. The translation is only
moderately accurate, but the work is nevertheless valuable. Very important are the two
letters of Pere d’Entrecolles, of 1712 and 1722, which Bushell added as Appendices.
Bushell, Stephen W.
Oriental Ceramic Art
New York, 1899. Reprinted.
Now largely out of date, but still important for Qing ceramics, and its valuable translations of passages from Chinese texts. Bushell was the great pioneer.
Donnelly, P.J.
Blanc de Chine
Faber Monograph series, London, 1969.
The only publication on this subject, it is sadly marred by numerous inaccuracies and confusion.
Garner, Sir Harry M.
Oriental Blue and White
Faber Monograph series, London, 1970. 3rd edition.
This is a revised edition with a new enlarged introduction of a well-established standard work, invaluable as a starting point for all collectors of blue and white.
Goldschmidt, D. Lion
Ming Porcelain
Thames and Hudson, London, 1978.
This splendidly illustrated volume is essential for the study of Ming wares, and is
particularly illuminating for those interested in stylistic development. A work of
great refinement with many subtle insights.
Gompertz, G.St.G.M.
Chinese Celadon Wares
Faber Monograph Series, London 1980. Revised edition.
A standard work on a fascinating aspect by a specialist collector, better known for
work on Korean ceramics.
Gray, B.
Sung Pottery and Porcelain
Faber Monograph series, London 1984.
knowledge up to date with the most recent Chinese research in the field.
Gyllensvard, B.
Chinese Ceramics in the Carl Kempe Collection
Stockholm, 1964.
A fully illustrated catalogue of a remarkable collection exceptionally strong in
white wares. Some of the dating is unreliable.
Hayashiya S. and Hasebe Gakuji
Chinese Ceramics
Tokyo, 1966.
A general history of Chinese ceramics, amply illustrated, presents the Japanese
approach to the subject.
Hobson, R.L.
A Catalogue of Chinese Pottery and Porcelain in the Collection of Sir Percival David, Bart.
London, 1934. Privately printed.
This rare, deluxe publication presents a selection of the great collection as it was in 1933,
compiled by one of the great authorities on Chinese ceramics.
Hobson, R.L.
Catalogue of the George Eumorfopoulos Collection of Chinese and Korean Pottery and Porcelain
London, 1925-28. 6 vols.
The catalogue of what was the greatest private collection of Chinese art ever made in the
west. Some pieces would now be dismissed as late copies, or even fakes, but the work
remains valuable for all types of Chinese ceramics.
Hobson, R.L.
Chinese Pottery and Porcelain
London, 1915. 2 vols. Now reprinted in 1 vol. New York, 1976.
Although now in many respects out of date, this remarkable work remains indispensible
for the serious collector, with its many penetrating observations and sound scholarship.
Honey, W.B.
The Ceramic Art of China, and other countries of the Far East
London, 1945.
A general survey, mainly aesthetic, written in a very individual style by a former Keeper
of Ceramics at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Now rather out of date but still
interesting.
Howard, David S.
Chinese Armorial Porcelain
Faber, London, 1974.
A standard work of immense value for reference. Excellently illustrated with a very
readable text.
Jenyns, S.
Later Chinese Porcelain
Faber Monograph series, London, 1971.
A valuable work on a long and difficult period from the 17th century onward by an
author with a highly idiosyncratic style, who draws the reader into discussion at
every turn. Jenyns had access to many unusual Chinese texts and he raises
historical points that are not found elsewhere. References should be carefully
checked.
Jenyns, S.
Ming Pottery and Porcelain
Faber Monograph series, London, 1987. A new corrected edition.
A very idiosyncratic work of enormous interest, with much historical and other
peripheral material of great value that is nowhere else available.
Medley, M.
Yuan Porcelain and Stoneware
Faber Monograph series, London, 1974.
The first comprehensive study of a much disputed period of unusual interest, when
China was wide open to outside influences.
Medley, M.
The Chinese Potter: A Practical History of Chinese Ceramics
Oxford, 1976. Revised edition in paper-back 1980.
A basic introduction to the history and technology with a useful bibliography.
Medley, M.
Tang Pottery and Porcelain
Faber Monograph series, London, 1981.
A systematic study of the ceramic types of this rich and exciting period based on recent
Chinese research.
Mino Yutaka
Freedom of Clay and Brush through Seven Centuries in Northern China;
Tz’u-chou Type Wares, 960 – 1600 A.D.
Indianapolis Museum of Art, 1980-81.
The most important catalogue raisonnee ever published on this popular and varied ware. Meticulously documented and well illustrated with comparative material.
Oort, H.A. van
The Porcelain of Hung-hsien
Lochem, 1970.
A study of the socio-cultural background and some characeristics of the porcelain produced
at Jingdezhen under the self-appointed ‘emperor’ Yuan Shikai in 1916.
Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong
Jingdezhen Wares: The Yuan Evolution
Hong Kong, 1984.
This is a catalogue of an important exhibition with a number of important introductory
essays by well-known specialists such as Sir John Addis, M. Medley, M. Tregear etc.
Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong
Transitional Wares and Their Forerunners
Hong Kong, 1981.
The catalogue of a very important exhibition of Chinese porcelains of the period from the
late 16th century to about 1680. A series of interesting and valuable pioneering essays
introduces much previously unpublished material.
Oriental Ceramic Society of London
Transactions of the Oriental Ceramic Society
London 1921 –
Now an annual publication, it includes many valuable scholarly papers on almost every
aspect of Chinese ceramics and art generally. Reduced prices for members of the Society,
but individual numbers available from Philip Wilson Publishers.
Pope, J.A.
Chinese Porcelains from the Ardebil Shrine
Washington 1956, Reprinted London 1982.
The reprint is slightly revised and issued by Philip Wilson, Sotheby’s Publications.
It is an important pioneering study of an historic collection mainly of blue and white.
Pope, J.A.
Fourteenth Century Blue and White in the Topkapu Serayi Muzesi, Istanbul.
Washington, 1970.
The first monograph on this material by an acknowledged authority.
It is mainly concerned with the identification of the decorative motifs.
Sato, M.
Chinese Ceramics: A Short History
New York & Tokyo, 1981.
A translation of Professor Sato’s Chugoku Tojishi of 1979. Valuable because it reveals much
of the Japanse approach. Sato is one of the foremost authorities in Japan in this field.
Volker, T.
Porcelain and the Dutch East India Company
Leiden, 1954.
An indispensible reference for collectors of seventeenth century Chinese export ware.
Watson, W.
Tang and Liao Pottery
London, 1984.
A comprehensive study of forms and kilns, with a discussion of decoration, preceded by a long historical introduction. Not an easy book to use and often controversial. It is amply documented, but almost exclusively from Chinese sources. Marred somewhat by some very bad editorial work.
Wirgin, J.
Sung Ceramic Design
Stockholm, 1970.
A systematic study of the decorations and styles of Sung dynasty wares, with a tentative, but
well-argued chronology. A very valuable work for anyone with a serious interest in this
classic period. Numerous illustrations and line drawings.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAPAN
Becker, Joanna
Karatsu: A Tradition of Diversity
Kodansha International, New York, 1986.
Written with a deep appreciation of the ware by a practising potter, this should be a very valuable
study of a justly famous ware.
Cort, Louise A.
Shigaraku, Potter’s Valley
Kodansha International, Tokyo, New York etc., 1979.
A masterly and comprehensive study of one of the most attractive and widely used rough stonewares, which in recent times has been much refined. Both historic and modern wares
are covered.
Faulkner, R.F.J. and Impey, O.R.
Shino and Oribe Kiln Sites
Oxford, 1981.
The catalogue of a very interesting exhibition of sherds from Toki City, with a useful introduction and good drawings of kilns. Well illustrated and has a useful bibliography together
with three clear maps.
Fujioka, Ryoichi
Shino and Oribe Ceramics
(Japapnese Arts Lib.) Kodansha International, Tokyo, 1977.
A systematic study of two very popular wares by the former Curator of Ceramics at Kyoto National Museum. Excellent illustrations.
Gorham, Hazel
Japanese and Oriental Ceramics
Tuttle, Rutland, Vermont & Tokyo.
A fairly comprehensive handbook with short entries on wares, kilns, decorations and marks.
Illustrated entirely with line drawings. An index for quick reference. A large bibliography,
but without any evaluations, so this needs careful use.
Jenyns, Soame
Japanese Porcelain
Faber Monograph series, London, 1965.
A pioneering, slightly confused and confusing study, engagingly written. Datings and references
need careful checking. Despite shortcomings it is informative in many ways and includes
interesting insights.
Jenyns, Soame
Japanese Pottery
Faber Monograph series, London 1971.
An ambitious study of traditional wares by this stimulating author. Values of sources, dating
and references should be checked.
Kawahara, Masahiko
The Ceramic Art of Ogata Kenzan
(Japanese Arts Lib. vol. 13) Tokyo.
A well presented study with easily understood technical information. The author does not settle
the dating satisfactorily, but the criteria are there.
Kodansha International
Famous Ceramics of Japan
Tokyo, 1981-84, 12 vols.
The series, with contributions by various authors, presents first-rate coloured illustration of the
products of all the major kilns, each volume with a simple text introducing the ware.
l. Nabeshima. 2. Agano and Takatori. 3. & 4. Folk Kilns. 5. Kakiemon. 6. Tokoname. 7. Oribe.
8. Karatsu. 9. Kiseto & Setoguro. 10. Hagi. 11. Shino.
Koyama, Fujio
The Heritage of Japanese Ceramics.
(Trans. John Figgess).
A general history by one of the foremost ceramics historians in Japan, who was also a potter.
Well illustrated.
Kuroda, Ryoji
Shino
(Famous Ceramics of Japan, vol 12), Tokyo, 1984.
An up-to-date study of one of the most sensuous of ceramics wares of the Momoyama period in
a good popular series.
Mikami, Tsugio
The Art of Japanese Ceramics
Weatherhill/Heibonsha, New York & Tokyo, 1972.
A short history and appreciation by a well-known Japanese art historian and archaeologist.
The translation does not always do justice to the original text, and techniques and terms should be
checked.
Miki, Fumio
Haniwa
(Arts of Japan, vol. 8) Weatherhill, New York, 1974.
An authoritative study of this splendid sepulchral earthenware by a Japanese archaeologist. Well illustrated, it includes a classified bibliography, covering historical background, the wares and
the ceramic tradition. A good starting point for the earlier wares.
Miller, R.A.
Japanese Ceramics
Tokyo, 1960.
Adapted from the original Japanese text of Okuda, Koyama, Hayashiya, and others. A useful
survey for a newcomer to Japanese wares.
Munsterberg, H.
The Ceramic Art of Japan
Tuttle, Rutland, Vermont & Tokyo, 1964.
Sub-titled, a handbook for collectors, this is a useful introductory volume by a well-known
Far Eastern art historian. It has a well-chosen select bibliography of the earlier literature.
Nakagawa, Sansaku
Kutani Ware
(Japanese Arts Lib.) Kodansha International, Tokyo, 1979.
An excellent well illustrated study with notes and glossary, as well as a well annotated bibliography.
Piepenberg, Robert
Raku Pottery
Macmillan & Co., New York, 1972.
A potter’s study of this popular Tea Ceremony ware from the technical point of view, with a
brief history and a discussion of the Tea Ceremony. Good illustration, charts and drawings.
Rhodes, Daniel
Tamba Pottery
Kodansha International, Tokyo, 1970.
A study of an attractive peasant ware by a sculptor and potter with long teaching experience.
A worthwhile book.
Rieger, Hal
Raku Art and Technique
Studio Vista, London, 1970.
A good illustrated potters’ guide.
Sanders, H.H.
The World of Japanese Ceramics
Tokyo, 1973.
A valuable study of the techniques of the Japanese potter with ample illustration.
Sato, Masahiko
Kyoto Ceramics
(Arts of Japan, vol. 2) Weatherhill, New York, 1973.
An excellent study by an acknowledged expert in the field. Well illustrated.
UPDATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CHINESE AND JAPANESE CERAMICS SUPPLIED BY ANITA GRAY
Ayers, John
The Chinese Porcelain Collection of Marie Vergottis
Fondation Georges et Marie Vergottis, La Bibliotheque des Arts, Lausanne 2004.
Hermitage, The State Hermitage Editorial Board
Chinese Export Art in the Hermitage Museum, Late 16th – 19th centuries
Hermitage Museum 2003.
Espir, Helen
European Decoration on Oriental Porcelain 1700 - 1830
Jorge Welsh Books, London 2005.
Gugong Museum
Qing Shunzi Kangxi Chao
Beijing, China 2004.
A Catalogue from the Gugong Museum
Jörg, C.J.A. in collaboration with Jan van Campen
Chinese Ceramics in the Collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Philip Wilson in association with the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, London 1997.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gerald Reitlinger Collection
Oxford, 1981.
A Catalogue of Eastern Ceramics from the collection.
Ayers, J.
The Bauer Collection
Four volumes, Geneva, 1968-74.
Barnhart, R.M.
Peach Blossom Spring: Gardens and Flowers in Chinese Painting
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1983.
Beurdeley, M.
Porcelain of the East India Companies
London, 1962.
Beurdeley & Raindre
Qing Porcelain
London, 1987.
Bondy, W.
Kang H'si
Munich, 1923.
Butler, Sir M. et al.
Seventeenth-Century Chinese Porcelain from the Butler Family Collection
Alexandria, Virginia, 1990.
Carswell, J.
Blue and White Chinese Porcelain and its Impact on the Western World
University of Chicago, 1985.
le Corbellier, C.
China Trade Porcelains: Patterns of Exhange
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1974.
Crosby Forbes, H.A.
Yang-ts'ai: Foreign Colours - Rose Porcelains of the Ch'ing Dynasty
Exhibition catalogue, China Trade Museum, Milton, Massachusetts, 1982.
Crossman, C.
The China Trade
Princeton, N. J., 1972.
Curtis, J.B.
‘Markets, Motifs and Seventeenth-Century Porcelain from Jingdezhen’, The Porcelains of Jingdezhen (R. Scott ed.)
London, 1993, pp 123-49.
Curtis, J.B.
Chinese Porcelains of the Seventeenth Century: Landscapes, Scholars’ Motifs and Narratives
University of Washington Press, Seattle and London, 1995.
Gillingham, M.
Chinese Painted Enamels Exhibited at the Ashmolean Museum
Oxford, 1978.
Hervouet, F. & N.
La Porcelaine Des Commpagnies Des Indes à Décor Occidental
Paris, 1986.
Howard, D.
Chinese Armorial Porcelain
London, 1974.
Howard, D. and Ayers, J.
China for the West
London and New York, 1978.
Howard, D.
The Choice of the Private Trader
London, 1994.
Jenyns, S.
Later Chinese Porcelain
London, 1971.
Jörg, C.J.A.
Oosterse keramiek uit Groninger kollekties
Groningen, 1982.
Jörg, C.J.A.
De Hatcher schenking: Chinees export porselein uit een wrak in de Zuid-chinese Zee 1640-1645
Groningen, 1984.
Jörg, C.J.A.
‘Chinese Porcelain for the Dutch in the Seventeenth Century: Trading Networks and Private Enterprise’, The Porcelains of Jingdezhen (R. Scott ed.)
London, 1993, pp183-205.
Jörg, C.J.A.
‘The Geldermalsen: History and Porcelain
Groningen: Kemper Publishers, 1986.
Kjellberg, S.T.
Svenska Ostindiska Compagniera
Malmö, 1975.
Kraahl & Ayers
Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Sarayi Museum
London, 1986.
Lang, G.
The Wrestling Boys.
Mc Lure Mudge, J.
Chinese Export Porcelain in North America
New York, 1986.
Percival David Foundation
Qing Enamelled Wares: Section 2
London, Revised edition 1991.
Rinaldi, M.
Kraak Porcelain: A Moment in the History of Trade
London, 1989.
Lunsingh Scheurleer, D.F.
Chinese Export Porcelain: Chine de Commande
London, 1974.
Scott, R. (ed.)
The Porcelains of Jingdezhen, Colloquies on Art & Archaeology in Asia No. 16
Percival David Foundation, London, 1993.
Scott, R. & Kerr, R.
Ceramic Evolution in the Middle Ming Period: Hongzhi to Wanli (1488-1620)
Percival David Foundation, London, 1994.
Sheaf, C. & Kilburn, R.
The Hatcher Porcelain Cargoes: The Complete Record
Oxford, 1988.
Shangraw, C. & Von der Porten, E.P.
The Drake and Cermeño Expeditions’ chinese Porcelains at Drakes Bay, California 1579 and 1595
Santa rosa and Palo Alto, 1981.
Van der Pijl-Ketal & Dumas, C.L.
Fortune de Mer a l’Ile Maurice
Paris, 1981.
Veiga, G.
Chinese Export Porcelain in Brazillian Private Collections
Rio de Janeiro, 1986.
Yang, B.
Tributes from Guangdong to the Qing Court
Palace Museum and Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1987.