American art pottery is one of the most dynamic collecting fields, with prices soaring up to $200,000 for one piece. Paul A. Royka examines New England art pottery made from 1872 to 1928. Sold through auctions and galleries and found in attics and homes throughout the United States, the pieces illustrated here have a combined value of over one million dollars. The most comprehensive work of its kind, Fireworks examines the origins of the Arts and Crafts Movement and the influences manufacturing companies had on it. It provides help in identifying marks, evaluating, and pricing the works of Chelsea Keramic Art Works, Dedham, Low, Grueby, Hampshire, Crook, Merrimac, Walley, Marblehead, Saturday Evening Girls, and Dorchester Pottery. A beautiful book with more than 450 color photographs, it is a must for the pottery collector and a wonderful gift for any art lover.

During the last quarter of the nineteenth century, American potters were struggling to produce quality ceramics to rival that of the English and French. Knowles, Taylor & Knowles took up the challenge, determined to produce a bone china that would be the pride of America. Highly regarded in its day, Knowles, Taylor & Knowles made Belleek Ware, Lotus Ware, and China Whiskey Jugs which are prized possessions among collectors today. Here is a book to inspire dealers and collectors alike. Valuable information concerning the identification of the various wares, the manufacturer's marks, decorative techniques, artists and the current values is included. Each phase of the company's production is illustrated in 245 color photographs.

For the first time, this book uncovers the fascinating history and diverse design of decorative ceramic tiles in Britain during the 20th century. Following extensive research and study, author Chris Blanchett, a well-known British tile enthusiast and collector, has compiled the story of the companies and their products, including the major influences that affected design and manufacture during this vibrant period. Together with its companion title, this publication contains nearly 2500 striking color photographs and illustrates the work of over 110 companies, large and small. Among the firms profiled here are Maw & Co., Packard & Ord, H. & R. Johnson, Pilkington's, and many more. A third volume in the series covers the numerous craft and studio tile makers that flourished in the 20th century, particularly during the second half. Each book features an entry for each maker, listing all known addresses, a short history of the firm and its products, a gallery of tile images, and a section on identification and dating. A bibliography is included as well as a glossary, comprehensive index, and price guide. This beautiful and informative book is an essential reference for all who are fascinated with the art of tile.

Paperweights that were made in Scotland from 1835 to the present are a wonderful part of glass history. In this beautiful book, Scottish paperweights are displayed in nearly 400 full-color photographs together with a discussion of the major weight-makers and glass houses. The important Ysart Family is thoroughly presented along with other makers: Holyrood Flint Glass Works, Vasart, Strathearn Ltd, Perthshire, Caithness, Edinburgh Crystal, Harland, John Deacons, Crieff, MacIntosh Glass, William and Willie Manson. Fakes, copies, and reproductions are fully discussed and the text includes a substantial glossary of weight-making terms and a price guide.

Informative as well as inspirational, this book is for all who love collecting as well as displaying fine Limoges porcelain. It covers the history of Limoges porcelain, various Limoges blanks and their intended uses, the difference between antique French Limoges and American Limoges, and how to recognize reproductions. It is also a dream-come-true for every collector or designer who has felt daunted by the task of incorporating fine Limoges porcelain into the decor of a home! The author demonstrates how to use elegant pieces of Limoges throughout all rooms and areas: the entryway and living room feature massive pieces of Limoges used as art; the dining room is perfect for a table set with Limoges dinnerware; walls in the kitchen, bedroom, bath, and even laundry room display a collection of Limoges chargers, plaques, and paintings; a porch or patio serves as a tea room for Limoges tea, coffee, and chocolate pots. A special section is also devoted to stunning examples of Limoges hand painted buttons, brooches, and stickpins. Current values, information on researching Limoges, a list of artists and their signatures, and a comprehensive marks section are all provided. "A unique presentation of the subject which I know collectors will enjoy," states noted author Mary Frank Gaston. This book will be treasured by all who love fine antiques and design.

Barbara and Jim Mauzy are known for providing well written, easy-to-use, accurate books. They bring their expertise regarding vintage kitchenware to this new book, which has all new items and no repetition of the items presented in their earlier book on the subject. If you buy or sell kitchen glass - bowls, reamers, shakers, and so on, this new book belongs in your library. More than 45 manufacturers are represented including Westmoreland, Sneath, Paden City, Cambridge, McKee, Jeannette, Hocking, Hazel-Atlas, and Federal. Almost 100 different kinds of kitchen glassware featured, including canisters, dispensers, cruets, refrigerator dishes, and rolling pins. Over 500 clear photographs arranged by color enable ease in viewing and identifying kitchen glass. Manufacturing information, measurements, values, and more are provided in captions next to each gorgeous image, and a detailed Index facilitates cross-referencing. This new book and Mauzy's Kitchen Glass (2004) are the most user-friendly identification guides available.

Wedgwood Jasper predates the American Declaration of Independence by one year having been introduced to the public by Josiah Wedgwood in 1775. Of all the many types of ceramics produced by the Wedgwood Company in the last two and a half centuries, Jasper is most immediately recognizable. This second book on this fascinating subject by the author traces Jasper's long history and almost infinite variety. It covers the entire range of Wedgwood's Jasper pieces, from items of museum quality to those found in most collections. After an informative introduction to Wedgwood history and marks, the photographic delineation covers the various types: Diceware, Strapware, Sgraffito, Sage Green and Lilac on White Jasper, Jasper Mounted on Metal, Crimson Jasper, and more. This is followed by a wonderful photographic gallery, organized by shapes., including biscuit barrels, bowls, boxes, candleholders, cups and saucers, figures inkwells, jewelry, jugs and mugs, lamps, medallions, perfume bottles, plates and trays, tea and coffee sets, vases, and more. All of this is illustrated with over 750 color photos. Important private collections are featured as well as one of the finest museum collections in the United States and auction houses. Wedgwood Jasper is well represented in all the finest ceramics collections around the world.

This new edition of Architectural Tiles: Conservation and Restoration continues to inform and educate on appropriate means towards the preservation of this valuable heritage. It not only contains new and up to date information on materials, practical methods, and historical research but also reflects changes in the attitudes, outlook and perceptions within the wider conservation, architectural heritage and construction communities which give a new dimension to the conservation and restoration techniques described in the previous edition. The growing interest in the preservation of post war ceramic tile murals and the subsequent demand for information pertaining specifically to this era is a welcome and useful addition. The new overview of common problems will be helpful in domestic and ecclesiastical situations and will appeal to independent tilers who are in need of information to deal with problems out of the normal run of their work but which are now more commonly being dealt with outside of conservation practice circles. The book has always been and remains an accessible resource to anyone who is interested either professionally or as an enthusiast in the preservation of historic architectural tiles.

Household items shaped like cottages, pubs, houses, shops, other dwellings, and historic buildings are called "cottage ware" in this book. Here is a delightful study of building-shaped jugs, cookie jars, mugs, condiment sets, and breakfast dishes as well as those made for special, old-fashioned uses as night lights, pastille burners, spills, and "crime cottages" (sites of famous English crimes). More than a hundred color and black and white photographs feature over 350 different cottage ware items. They are alphabetically grouped by their makers, including English, American, and German potteries, and their markings are shown for easy identification. Current values appear in the descriptive captions. Collectors love these charming dishes because tea served from a cottage-shaped teapot brings a smile, even on the dreariest days.

Over 440 vivid color images display the wide range of ceramics produced by the English pottery firm, established by Josiah Spode in the 1760s and continuing today. From historic blue and white transfer printed wares of the early 1800s to popular dinnerware patterns of the 1900s, this book includes sprig decorated wares, delicate bone china table and tea sets, graceful figurines, and sturdy stoneware candlesticks and loving cups. The famous and much coveted patterns represented include Willow, Rosebud Chintz, Patricia, and Tower. \nOrganized by periods of production, the fascinating text provides a history of the Spode firm through the centuries and its various name changes. Included are techniques for dating Spode ceramics, makers marks, a bibliography, and index. Values are found in the captions. This book is a must for everyone who appreciates fine English ceramics.

This attractive pocket guide presents the story of Carnival Glass, with a chapter giving an overview of how Carnival Glass has endured. Included are brief histories of Dugan, Fenton, Imperial, Millersburg, and Northwood. Over 200 beautiful color photographs will teach you how to identify classic Carnival Glass patterns as well as contemporary Carnival Glass pieces, along with the values you can expect to see in today's marketplace. For anyone who enjoys the beauty of the classic patterns or for those who appreciate the timeless appeal of more recent iridised glass, this book is a must.

No matter if you are a long time aficionado of Art Deco and 20th Century design or a novice collector, this book is a must for you. Its purpose is to explain how you can display and group items from your collection to their maximum visual advantage regardless of whether that collection is large or small. Groupings by manufacturer, material, color, or function are all illustrated with over 120 stunning full color photographs, each with an accompanying diagram to explain the techniques used in their composition. In addition, over 1000 individual pieces shown are fully described and their values given in an accompanying price guide. These include furniture, lighting, pottery, glass, and a wide variety of decorative accessories that bring the Art Deco dA (c)cor to life. In the second half of the book you will go behind the closed doors of the homes of private collectors and have a unique opportunity to see how these techniques have been employed to incorporate Art Deco and 20th Century items into the interiors of today.

The delightful figural toothbrush holders that are so beloved by collectors today have their roots in the early 1800s. Here is the whole range of the holders, with hundreds of the most sought-after designs portrayed in full color. Compiled by some of America's foremost collectors and dealers, this book has over 400 color photos, including examples in ironstone, porcelain, bisque, or other ceramics, as well as glass, chalkware, celluloid, plastic, and lithographed tin. Some of the forms they took were purely decorative, and some were clearly designed to encourage children to brush more frequently. They include whimsical characters, animals, nursery rhymes, sports, occupations, deco animals and figures, holidays, and cartoon characters. Often the toothbrush itself, when in place, would make up a key element in the holder's design, a horse's tail, say, or the neck of a violin. The authors have compiled a brief history of toothbrush holders, along with important information for collectors. The concise captions include size, material, maker (when known), and an estimate of the value on the current collector's market. The variety of forms, the cleverness of the designs, and the nostalgia some of the themes encourage, will delight dentists, toothbrush specialists, and all lovers of the ceramic arts.

Covering the years 1950 to 1970, this fascinating book provides a detailed look at the Fire King pitchers and glasses produced by the venerable Anchor Hocking glass company, established in 1905 and still in business today. Over 350 color photographs beautifully display these Fire King wares, ranging from Tilt Ball and juice pitchers to frosted glasses and cocktail sets. The succinct text describes the evolution of Anchor Hocking pitcher design and teaches collectors how to differentiate Anchor Hocking from similar companies' glassware. Catalog pages are included, along with an index, and current market values in the captions.

This beautiful and comprehensive reference is an essential tool for all collectors and admirers of ornamental glass figurines, and for elephant fanatics alike. Highlighted makers include Boyd, Co-Operative Flint, Fenton, Fostoria, Heisey, Imperial, L.E. Smith, Mosser Glass, New Martinsville, Summit Glass, and Tiara Glass; as well as a wide variety of other producers from the late 19th century until the present. Over 375 clear photographs, interesting background text, and current market values inform and inspire the search for even more appealing examples. This book is a lovely guide to the charms of elephants, their beauty, symbolism, and distinct personalities.

Japanese porcelain of the Nippon era, 1891 to 1921, are visually exciting and form a plentiful group of beautiful, high-quality items which are popular today with a large number of collectors worldwide. This new and lavishly color-illustrated book presents thousands of Nippon porcelain items well known by their different styles of decoration such as Moriage, Coralene, Cobalt, portraits, molded-in-relief, and tapestry. Included here are hundreds of plaques, dishes, lamps, dolls, vases, smoking accessories, and other forms in many variations. Over 830 color photographs, identifying captions and text present this phase of Oriental art along with 130 different manufacturer's marks. This reference work will be especially valuable to the collectors, art dealers and appraisers who enjoy the variety of Nippon wares. A Values Guide is included.

Color is one of the most interesting qualities of glass, and many people collect according to color. Purple Glass is a sample of various collectible glassware made in the United States and Europe. Included are examples of Depression Era glass from American companies such as Tiffin, Fostoria, and Morgantown, to mid-century blown glass from Blenko; from Italian mid-century cased items to Scandinavian designer glass from Kosta, Orrefors, and Flygsfors. While focusing exclusively on purple glass, this book is also a survey of 20th century glass, because each design was also produced in other colors. More than 400 color photographs (including 80+ rare catalog pages for identification) and information on the 60 companies represented make this book essential for all glass collectors.

Since the late 1400s, tea drinkers in the Orient and the West have been passionate about teapots in ever growing numbers. Over 445 beautiful color images display a wide range of international teapots, from antique to contemporary. Porcelain, stoneware, silver, copper, brass, iron, pewter, tin, wood, and glass are shown from around the world. Children's tea sets, miniatures, musical, figural, whimsical, seasonal, advertising, commemorative, and souvenir teapots are all included. A brief history of tea is provided along with values. Join the collectors who look for teapots in exotic places and enjoy their use with every cup consumed.

This practical book provides guidance in identifying and evaluating American brilliant cut glass. It is organized by patterns and illustrated with 396 color and black and white photographs. Standard, Choice, Premium, and Rare quality pieces are identified throughout, and separate value ranges for each quality of every piece are provided. Tips for recognizing non-American cut glass are given and examples are shown. Separate indexes of pattern names and manufacturers provide quick references. This is the book you want at your fingertips when on the Internet and with you in the shops and auctions when you buy cut glass. It will help you find some good buys.

Join this journey to the flea markets of Paris, the brocantes of Brittany, and into the heart of the city of Quimper, to see hundreds of examples of this distinctive and beautiful French pottery, some of it quite unique and rare. Learn about the history, art, and spirit of the Breton people, as reflected on the pottery from Quimper. Meet merchants, faA-encerie personnel, and museum directors whose history in Quimper goes back for generations. More than 800 photographs bring an in-depth look at the famous pottery, Quimper, and its home, Brittany. An important first for the collector is a chapter of alphabetically-ordered Quimper pottery, presented in photos and text. Definitions are given and price ranges listed, based on 12 years of market-trend observations in the United States, France, and more recently, the Internet.

The Florence Ceramics Company of Pasadena, California, produced historical and literary figurines, birds, animals, figural pairs, and an extensive line of artware from the early 1940s to 1964. This wonderfully illustrated book identifies them all, complete with names, sizes, colors, current values, and many additional details. Ceramic enthusiasts will enjoy the history of how company founder Florence Ward got her start in the ceramics business and how she researched the designs and period costumes of the figurines. Also included is a discussion of how the wares were produced, patent descriptions related to molding and manufacturing techniques, and interviews with family members and former employees. Florence Ward's attention to detail and quality control was truly the "labor of love" so aptly described by the authors. Ceramic figurine collectors everywhere will find this extensive resource invaluable and delightful.

European porcelain was born in the German city of Meissen, in 1708. This is the most comprehensive source book available to show the marks used by manufacturers, factories, and decorators from the beginning to the present. Included are more than 3,300 marks, many previously unpublished. More than 1,300 porcelain products, producers, and decorators are identified, including marks which American importers had applied. A special chapter shows more than 650 marks of Continental and American origin which can be confused with other famous marks. Here are aids in identifying imitations, fakes, and look-alikes, and revisions of marks which have been incorrectly identified until now. In all cases, the time period in which the mark was given will enable dealers and auctioneers to determine the age of porcelain items.

The first of its kind, this authoritative reference guide identifies and documents hundreds of patterns, cuts, stems, and etchings designed by the prolific Seneca Glass Company during its ninety-two years of production. It includes a comprehensive reprinting of a broad range of Seneca catalogs from 1891 to 1983, original company advertisements, a brief company history, a table listing all identifiable patterns, and a price guide. This book is an invaluable resource to collectors, dealers, and admirers of American glasswares.

From the finest collections of bone china to contemporary and practical everyday dishes and kitchenware, the willow pattern has graced dining tables and adorned ceramic wares for more than 200 years. First introduced during the early 19th century in England, the willow pattern has been replicated and reproduced over the years by a countless number of manufactures in England, America, Japan, and other countries around the world. Today, the pattern remains a time-honored classic, one of the most recognizable and cherished patterns in ceramics. This book delves into the world of willow ware collecting, with over 550 photographs of plates, cups, saucers, teapots, pitchers, platters, kitchenware, jewelry, condiments pieces, and much more. It illustrates the beauty and widespread popularity of the willow pattern in all its variations of color, shape, multiplicity of border designs, traditional and variant patterns, and polychrome pieces. Information on manufacturer's marks, historical background, helpful hints for the collector, a price guide, and an index are included. Enjoy remarkable examples of early 1800 blue and white pearlware, gaudy willow, and pekin, among other traditional, polychrome, and variant pattern items. Ceramics collectors and dealers, along with willow ware enthusiasts, will welcome this fabulous collection of willow ware.

In shops, shrines, homes and gardens throughout Japan, at noisy festivals and in the most serene teahouses, you are likely to encounter the plump, smiling image of Otafuku--a mythic figure from Japan's distant past. With her twinkling eyes and rosy lips, she appears in countless incarnations: on banners, cups and bowls, and in craft, furniture, painting and sculpture. Who is this warm, wonderful lady, whose gentle and calming presence is felt everywhere in Japan? In Otafuku, renowned author Amy Katoh explores in her own inimitable way the colorful world of Otafuku. Katoh traces Otafuku's roots and folk beginnings, showing her many delightful identities, and providing a magical glimpse into this charming and little-known corner of Japanese culture. With a mixture of poems, photographs, anecdotes and stories, she presents a veritable jewel box of surprises that is sure to enchant readers. Today Otafuku is Japan's most influential female icon and is attributed with having many bestowing powers including health, pleasure, success, and the granting of wishes.