The China Collectors

Thanks to Salem sea captains, Gilded Age millionaires, curators on horseback and missionaries gone native, North American museums now possess the greatest collections of Chinese art outside of East Asia itself. How did it happen? The China Collectors is the first full account of a century-long treasure hunt in China from the Opium Wars and the Boxer Rebellion to Mao Zedong's 1949 ascent. The principal gatherers are mostly little known and defy invention. They included "foreign devils" who braved desert sandstorms, bandits and local warlords in acquiring significant works. Adventurous curators like Langdon Warner, a forebear of Indiana Jones, argued that the caves of Dunhuang were already threatened by vandals, thereby justifying the removal of frescoes and sculptures. Other Americans include George Kates, an alumnus of Harvard, Oxford and Hollywood, who fell in love with Ming furniture. The Chinese were divided between dealers who profited from the artworks' removal, and scholars who sought to protect their country's patrimony. Duanfang, the greatest Chinese collector of his era, was beheaded in a coup and his splendid bronzes now adorn major museums. Others in this rich tapestry include Charles Lang Freer, an enlightened Detroit entrepreneur, two generations of Rockefellers, and Avery Brundage, the imperious Olympian, and Arthur Sackler, the grand acquisitor. No less important are two museum directors, Cleveland's Sherman Lee and Kansas City's Laurence Sickman, who challenged the East Coast's hegemony. Shareen Blair Brysac and Karl E. Meyer even-handedly consider whether ancient treasures were looted or salvaged, and whether it was morally acceptable to spirit hitherto inaccessible objects westward, where they could be studied and preserved by trained museum personnel. And how should the US and Canada and their museums respond now that China has the means and will to reclaim its missing patrimony?

While readers will come away from Chinese Art with a nuanced understanding of Chinese culture, the volume is also a work of art in its own right—a must-have collectible for any devotee of Chinese art and culture. Assouline’s Ultimate Collection is an homage to the art of luxury bookmaking—the oversized volume is hand-bound using traditional techniques, with several of the plates hand-tipped on art-quality paper and housed in a luxury silk clamshell.

Collecting China is a unique collection of essays that brings together theories of materiality and what collecting has meant to various peoples over time. Collecting China grew out of a simple question: how does a thing become Chinese? Fifteen essays explore this question from different angles, ranging from close examination of world-renowned private collections to critical reinterpretations of historical writings.

Over 7000 years of Chinese pottery and porcelain in text and pictures, from Neolithic times through the fall of the Qing dynasty in 1911. Illustrations follow the evolution from the earliest pottery tomb figures to the fine porcelains created by edicts of nineteenth century Chinese Emperors. The book features over 400 color photographs, a Time Line of selected historical events, and values in today's marketplace for each pictured item.

From breakfast, through dinner and beyond, Nora Travis shows in over 400 color photographs the beauty of Haviland China as it graced the dining table in the Age of Elegance and continues to do so today. A brief history of the Haviland family and their contribution to the American way of life is included, along with the production of Haviland china and its decoration. To enable the reader to identify patterns, many have been cataloged by Schleiger number, the current form of pattern identification used by most Haviland matchers. There are also descriptions of the many pieces and their proper usage for breakfast, luncheon, afternoon tea and a 15 course dinner. A listing of back marks and updated values are also included.

Beautiful photography illustrates the evolution of Haviland china from its beginnings in the 1840s through the twentieth century. From the early multifloral and botanical designs, through the Japanese influence, the Impressionist, Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, to patterns and shapes of the mid-twentieth century. Many of the patterns are cataloged by Schleiger numbers, the form of pattern identification preferred by most Haviland matchers. Rounding out the presentation are a listing of back marks and current market prices that are included with the captions.

A full-color, illustrated handbook describing various patterns and pieces of English china, with identification information and approximate values.

Focusing on provincial furniture of the early 1800s to early 1900s (late Qing Dynasty), this stunning book provides a detailed look at assorted chairs, benches, tables, storage pieces, beds, and screens originally created and used in eight Chinese provinces. Over 550 colour photographs and accompanying text detail the construction and artistic differences characterising these styles. Highly informative to collectors, dealers, and students of Asian furnishings, the book covers types of wood used, construction techniques, lacquer and other finishing processes, and original usage. Restoration and tips for care of antique furniture are also discussed. Descriptive captions include dimensions, circa dates, types of wood, and current market values for all pieces shown. Learning to authenticate classical antiques from China is becoming a necessity as facsimiles begin to appear in the marketplace. This book helps demystify the purchasing process and engenders an appreciation of lovely designs that blend wonderfully into contemporary homes.

Here is an expansive guide to the fine bone china made by this popular British manufacturer from Longton in the renowned Staffordshire potting district. Hundreds of pieces are shown in shapes and patterns widely prized by todays collectors. A brief history of the company, spanning the years 1860-1966, is included, along with a guide to back stamps; a buyers guide to fakes, reproductions, and damaged items, a pattern index, and current market values.

This comprehensive collectors book displays bluebird china in over 750 beautiful color photos. China decorated with the bluebird motif was produced by over 50 of America's top potteries including Anchor Pottery Company, Homer Laughlin China Company and Steubenville Pottery Company to name just a few. Whether you are a novice or an advanced collector, this book will help you identify the many subtle differences in pieces manufactured by over 50 different companies. Recent values are included in the captions.