Chinese Export Porcelain: An Historical Survey by Elinor Gordon 1975.

Some wear on hardcover. Inside pages intact and clean.

"Chinese Export Porcelain: An Historical Survey" by Elinor Gordon is a comprehensive guide to the history, production, and distribution of Chinese export porcelain, which was produced for export to European markets from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

The book begins with an overview of the history of Chinese export porcelain, tracing its origins to the late Ming dynasty and the early years of European trade with China. The author describes how Chinese potters adapted their traditional techniques and styles to meet the demands of European consumers, producing a vast array of porcelain wares that ranged from simple everyday items to elaborate luxury goods.

Gordon then delves into the technical aspects of Chinese export porcelain, exploring the different materials, techniques, and styles that were used to create these magnificent wares. She describes the various types of porcelain produced, including blue and white, famille rose, and armorial porcelain, and explains how each type was decorated and used.

Throughout the book, Gordon provides detailed descriptions and analyses of numerous examples of Chinese export porcelain, drawing on her extensive knowledge of the subject and her expertise in art history. She examines the different types of decoration used on the porcelain, including landscapes, figures, and floral designs, and explains how these designs were influenced by both Chinese and European artistic traditions.

In addition to her detailed analyses of individual pieces of porcelain, Gordon also situates the production and distribution of Chinese export porcelain within the broader historical and cultural contexts of Chinese-European trade relations. She discusses the political and economic factors that drove the demand for Chinese porcelain in Europe, and explains how Chinese potters adapted their techniques and styles to meet the changing tastes and preferences of European consumers.

Gordon also explores the role that Chinese export porcelain played in shaping European art and culture, highlighting how it influenced the development of European porcelain manufacturing and decoration. She discusses the ways in which European artists and designers were inspired by Chinese porcelain, and how this inspiration was reflected in the decorative arts and architecture of the period.

Overall, "Chinese Export Porcelain: An Historical Survey" is a rich and informative guide to the history and art of Chinese export porcelain. It offers readers a comprehensive overview of this fascinating subject, drawing on a wide range of historical, cultural, and artistic sources to provide a nuanced and detailed account of the development of Chinese porcelain production and its impact on European culture. Whether you are a student of art history, a collector of Chinese porcelain, or simply interested in learning more about the cultural and artistic exchanges between China and Europe, this book is an essential and rewarding read.