The authors begin this book with a systematic overview of superconductivity, superconducting materials, magnetic levitation, and superconducting magnetic levitation - the prerequisites to understand the latter part of the book - that forms a solid foundation for further study in High Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Levitation (HTS Maglev). This book presents our research progress on HTS Maglev at Applied Superconductivity Laboratory (ASCLab) of Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU), China, with an emphasis on the findings that led to the world's first manned HTS Maglev test vehicle "Century". The book provides a detailed description on our previous work at ASCLab including the designing of the HTS Maglev test and measurement method as well as the apparatus, building "Century", developing the HTS Maglev numerical simulation system, and making new progress on HTS Maglev. The final parts of this book discuss research and prototyping efforts at ASCLab in several adjacent fi elds including HTS Maglev bearing, Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) and HTS maglev launch technology. We hope this book becomes a valuable source for researchers and engineers working in the fascinating field of HTS Maglev science and engineering. Contents Fundamentals of superconductivity Superconducting materials Magnetic levitation Superconducting magnetic levitation HTS Maglev experimental methods and set-up First manned HTS Maglev vehicle in the world Numerical simulations of HTS Maglev New progress of HTS Maglev vehicle HTS Maglev bearing and flywheel energy storage system HTS Maglev launch technology

Never before has there been a book focusing on the theme of tea as it relates to both the fine and decorative arts. With over 330 beautiful color images, this book explores the history of tea with special attention to the impact its popularity has had on the development of porcelain, furniture, silver, and the other decorative objects employed in serving tea. Here are teapots, cups and saucers, kettle stands, tea caddies, silverware, and more, inspired both by the expense of the tea itself and the various social significances surrounding its consumption. The valued place of tea in society at all levels has also created a subject for the fine arts. From maritime paintings, to portraiture and still lifes, artists have captured the romance of tea through the works shown in this book. Images from top dealers, galleries, and collectors, representing some of the highest quality tea ware created, illustrate the fascinating and well researched text to please readers around the world.