Christie's Collectables Blue & White China - Tapa dura

The tradition of decorating white china with a blue underglaze can be traced back as far as the 14th century. In this book, a leading specialist describes the history of blue and white china, and offers a guide to collecting.

This unique series is intended for both the avid collector and the armchair enthusiast. Beautifully illustrated in full color, each guide provides examples of both rare and everyday pieces so that readers can appreciate "the great and the good" but also identify articles that may be more readily available or affordable. After a general introduction, page after page of comparative examples reveal typical and less common characteristics, pinpoint details, and provide precise keys to dating; a glossary at the back explains less familiar terms.

These two books provide expert guidance on two favorite collectibles. Blue and white china saw its greatest period of development during Chino's Ming Dynasty and was later manufactured for export to Europe in both China and Japan. The potteries of Staffordshire, England, developed innovative glazing techniques in the eighteenth century and went on to produce a wide range of sculptural pieces, such as novelty jugs and figurines commemorating great public events.