The Secret of Colours: Ceramics in China From the 18th Century to the Present Time

This book explores the history of porcelain glaze from the 18th century in China to the 19th century in France and the work of two 20th-century ceramic artists. It investigates the development of opaque glazes and the efforts to reproduce them chemically.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2022
Publisher: Five Continents Editions

This captivating book, accompanying an exhibition at the Fondation Baur, delves into the intriguing tale of porcelain glaze during the late 18th century in China, the 19th century in France, and the work of two remarkable ceramic artists of the 20th century. Part one explores the evolution of opaque glazes for porcelain and copper during this period, drawing from three remarkable collections: Alfred Baur's extensive imperial ceramics collection, the Canton glazes housed in the Zubov Foundation, and export porcelain from the Ariana Museum in Geneva. The second part takes us to France in the 19th century, where we witness the tireless efforts of the Sèvres factory to embark on expeditions to China, gather samples of color, and meticulously analyze them chemically in their quest to reproduce them. The catalogue concludes in the present, showcasing the groundbreaking experiments conducted by the American-born artist Fance Franck (1927–2008) on "sacrificial red" and the ongoing exploration of color by the Austrian ceramist Thomas Bohle.

Weight: 685g
Dimension: 270 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9791254600054