Ceramic, Art and Civilisation

Paul Greenhalgh's new history of ceramics tells the story of human civilization from the Ancient Greeks to the present day, tracing the development of ceramic art and industry from the Ancient Greeks to the Romans and the medieval world, Islamic ceramic cultures, Chinese and European porcelain production, modernity and Art Nouveau, the rise of the studio potter, Art Deco, International Style, and Mid-Century Modern, and the contemporary explosion of ceramic making and the postmodern potter. Ceramics have had a presence in virtually every country and historical period, working as a commodity servicing every social class, and have revealed themselves to be as fluid as the mud they are made from.

Format: Hardback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Ceramics, a captivating art form, has a rich and intricate history that spans across centuries and cultures. From its humble beginnings in ancient civilizations to its modern-day resurgence, ceramics has played a pivotal role in shaping human civilization. In his monumental work, "The History of Ceramics," Paul Greenhalgh takes readers on a journey through time, exploring the evolution of ceramic art and industry from the Ancient Greeks to the present day.

As a core craft technology, pottery has been instrumental in underpinning domesticity, business, religion, recreation, architecture, and art for millennia. The history of ceramics parallels the development of human society, reflecting the changing needs and aspirations of different cultures.

The book traces the story of ceramic art and industry from the Ancient Greeks to the Romans and the medieval world, highlighting the influence of Islamic ceramic cultures on the Italian Renaissance. It also explores Chinese and European porcelain production, modernity and Art Nouveau, the rise of the studio potter, Art Deco, International Style, and Mid-Century Modern. Finally, it delves into the contemporary explosion of ceramic making and the postmodern potter.

Throughout this journey, Greenhalgh weaves together the story of the pots themselves, the culture of ceramics, and their character and meaning. He delves into the technical aspects of ceramic production, the techniques used by different artists and craftsmen, and the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped the art form.

One of the remarkable aspects of ceramics is its versatility. It has been used by virtually every country and historical period, serving as a commodity that caters to every social class. Ceramics are omnipresent, found in homes, offices, museums, and even in the natural world.

Ceramic culture, on the other hand, is a distinct and recognizable phenomenon that has an internal logic that holds it together through millennia. It is a rich tapestry of traditions, techniques, and aesthetics that have evolved over time. Ceramic culture is characterized by its clarity, uniqueness, and definability, making it the most peculiar and extraordinary of all the arts.

At once cheap, expensive, elite, plebeian, high-tech, low-tech, exotic, eccentric, comic, tragic, spiritual, and secular, ceramics have revealed themselves to be as fluid as the mud from which they are made. They have the ability to transcend boundaries and connect people from different cultures and backgrounds.

In conclusion, "The History of Ceramics" is a monumental work that offers a comprehensive and captivating exploration of the world of ceramics. Through its rich narrative and insightful analysis, Greenhalgh has shed light on the enduring significance of this art form and its role in shaping human civilization. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a historian, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of the world around us, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 2254g
Dimension: 282 x 226 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474239707