Whether you are a seasoned antique hunter or a novice, it is all too easy to be overwhelmed by auction-house terminology or the sales-pitch of an experienced dealer. What is a crespina? An epergne? How can you tell if a plate has been decorated with a transfer-print or hand painted? How easy is it to date pieces accurately?
The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique China & Silver provides the solution. It is the ultimate visual glossary, featuring more than 275 carefully selected pieces, all of which have been reproduced in lavish color photographs. Each picture is extensively annotated to provide a wealth of information on a wide range of tableware—from china and cutlery to candlesticks, coffee pots, and table ornaments. Specific features, such as glazes, patterns, rims, and lids, are picked out and illustrated in detailed close-ups, and key elements to look out for are also highlighted. In addition, comprehensive notes explain style variations that can develop according to a piece's country of origin and the materials that have been used in its making. Major style developments and the importance of particular designers and craftsmen are put into historical context with the aid of specially devised timelines that cover the period from the 1600s to the postwar era.
Equally valuable as an introduction for the complete beginner and as a refresher course for the more experienced antique lover, The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique China &• Silver provides a unique reference source for this fascinating subject.