Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great resource for collectors and modern majolica-artists.
  • One of the definitive books on Victorian Majolica
Majolica: A Complete History and Illustrated Survey
Marilyn G. Karmason , and Joan B. Stacke
Manufacturer: Harry N. Abrams
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Glass & GlasswareGlass & Glassware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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  1. The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica
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  4. European Majolica: With Values (Schiffer Book for Collectors) European Majolica: With Values (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
  5. Antique Majolica Around The House: Around The House (Schiffer Book for Collectors) Antique Majolica Around The House: Around The House (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

ASIN: 0810935953

Book Description

Still the best, broadest, and most complete introduction to the colorful, lustrously glazed, exuberantly decorated 19th-century ceramic art called majolica, this classic book, first published in 1989, is now fully updated. A brand-new chapter includes the latest information and 27 added color photographs of recently discovered pieces; 18 fresh color illustrations replace older black and whites; and an updated bibliography and list of museums with majolica collections make this book invaluable for the ever-growing number of majolica enthusiasts. The result, as Cape Cod Antiques & Arts said of the original edition, is "a serious reference for serious connoisseurs . . . It's wonderful."

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great resource for collectors and modern majolica-artists........1999-10-15

First saw this magnificent volume at a collector's home, and had to acquire a copy for my library as inspiration for my own artistic endeavors with majolica.

5 out of 5 stars One of the definitive books on Victorian Majolica.......1999-09-01

People all over the world treat this as the "Bible" of Victorian Majolica. It is the best.
Laying the Elegant Table: China, Faience, Porcelain, Majolica, Glassware, Flatware, Tureens, Platters, Trays, Centerpieces, Tea Sets
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Tableware collector's delight!
  • Too expensive for the information given
  • A Wonderful Book for the Novice
  • Elegance has Changed and for the Better
Laying the Elegant Table: China, Faience, Porcelain, Majolica, Glassware, Flatware, Tureens, Platters, Trays, Centerpieces, Tea Sets
Ines Heugel
Manufacturer: Rizzoli
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0847828441
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Book Description

Anyone who enjoys entertaining is sure to be inspired by these objects of charm and history, which bring elegance and finesse to any table. Among the list of items profiled in the book are numerous types of plates (from country stoneware to fine bone china), stemware (from fine crystal aperitif glasses to hand cut ruby quartz goblets), flatware (knives, spoons and forks of every shape, material and purpose), as well as serving platters, soup tureens, serving trays, chafing dishes, egg cups, napkin holders and more. Inès Heugel delves into the history behind each item. She expounds on detailing and craftsmanship, popular designs and proper uses. All the major historic manufacturers, styles and brands are covered. Also included is a chapter on table ornaments—from centerpieces to candelabra—that round out any well-laid table. Christian Sarramon's atmospheric photographs show each piece in a contemporary setting, and delightful reproductions of vintage engravings and lithographs adorn the margins, giving the book the feel of an old-time almanac. Laying the Elegant Table is the perfect gift and an ideal addition to your own collection.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Tableware collector's delight!.......2007-05-15

If you are an avid collector of all things for the fancy dining table, this is an excellent guide to take you back to the 10 course meals popular in Victorian days when a lady had a piece of silver for every purpose. Like tabletop trivia? This book will not disappoint. Inherit an odd piece of silver from Grandma that looks like an torture device from the Dark Ages and you have no idea what it could possibly have been used for? This lovely book reveals the purpose of the obscure and the antique. Beautiful illustrations and readable prose make this book a pleasure to read. The chapter on porcelain left a bit to be desired for the china lover but overall this is an excellent addition to the antique tableware enthusiast's library.

3 out of 5 stars Too expensive for the information given.......2007-01-29


This book was just too expensive for the information given. For the price, I had expected more photos and a wider variety of pieces.

The photos were nice and the descriptions seem to be accurate, but the title was so deceptive. This book is really not about "Laying an Elegant Table", as the title says. Rather, this book is a book that shows some very expensive pieces, most of which the average person will never (ever) see (aside from at a Museum). This book needed a better title, so as not to deceive the purchaser. I would never have bought this book, had I had a chance to preview a few more photos before-hand.

3 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book for the Novice.......2007-01-18

I had really hoped to view some well put together settings using a variety of exquisite items. The focus is definitely French and English leaving out much of the truly beautiful German, Austrian and,yes, even American contributions to a beautiful table. The photography is minimal with sketches predominating.
It is a start however and should inspire further research on the part of a discerning reader. There also many helpful hints and explanations for the new collector or enthusiast.

5 out of 5 stars Elegance has Changed and for the Better.......2007-01-09

Perhaps it was those years in college of using mayonaise, jelly, and cheese bottles for glasses that has left me with an appreciation for good tableware, particularly for glassware.

So the first thing I turned to was the section on Gassware and Stemware. First the pictures in this section are beautiful (and clear glassware is very difficult to photograph). The descriptions, and the detail that she then covers in relatively few words is quite impressive.

Surprisingly the author suggests that the well set table of today need not have all matching sets of anything to be elegant. I really liked this idea because the stemware that I've purchased down through the years have followed a somewhat eclectic path. They've come to me through flea markets, thrift shops, antique stores, where ever I've found something I like. As she says, 'exhibiting a mixture of styles and epochs, and as such is playful and easy to manage.' Besides, you don't cry if you break a glass, and I happen to like each piece.

This is a very, very enjoyable, entertaining and educational book.
The New Maiolica: Contemporary Approaches to Colour and Technique (Ceramics)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Practical reference book
  • Spectacular!
  • Wonderful features on many prominent potters!
The New Maiolica: Contemporary Approaches to Colour and Technique (Ceramics)
Matthias Ostermann
Manufacturer: A & C Black
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0713648783

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Practical reference book.......2004-06-22

While I prefer traditional Italian maiolica to contemporary, this book is still excellent. It is filled with glaze recipes and practical technical information. This book is worth it's purchase price just for it's 8 page Troubleshooting chapter.

5 out of 5 stars Spectacular!.......2000-05-16

I recently purchased four or five books on ceramics. This was by far my favorite. The beautiful work is inspiring and well presented with clear how to information. He even shows what brushes he uses for each and every stroke.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful features on many prominent potters!.......2000-01-05

I found that the artwork is beautifully featured in this book and many of today's finest potters' work can be viewed. In particular, I truly enjoyed Ostermann's feature on up and coming Ontario potter-Richard Mund. His beautifully decorated work makes this book a new favorite for reference, inspiration and knowledge.
The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica
The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica
Mariann Katz-Marks
Manufacturer: Collector Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0891454969

Book Description

Over 500 beautiful color photos and a value guide to reflect the latest trends. Loaded with information, this book is recommended for all collectors of this whimsical Victorian pottery. 2004 values. AUTHORBIO: Mariann Katz-Marks lives with her husband and their three children in rural Pennsylvania . For years she pursued a career selling English and American Majolica through an at-home mail order business and numerous antique shows. Her fascination with this colorful Victorian ware began when she purchased a box lot of three Majolica plates at a country auction. She holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and completed graduate work in Sociology, Anthropology, and Clothing and Textiles. REVIEW: This book is a tribute to the innovative and creative potters who produced Majolica pottery during the nineteenth century. It's a book devoted to the wonderful world where cauliflowers turn into teapots, fans become ice cream dishes, pickles are served from begonia leaves, and sugar is spooned from a pineapple. This bright and whimsical Victorian pottery is showcased in beautiful color photographs.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica.......2000-04-26

I am new to the wonderful world of Majolica. I was looking for some reference books to help me purchase quality pieces of Majolica on ebay without paying more than I should. I found The Collector's Encyclopedia of Majolica a good reference because of the approx. 180 pages of colorful pictures illustrating the various types of Majolica pottery available. This book includes a value guide for the pieces pictured in it with a few pages of general information. I gave it 3 stars because it is helpful in pricing certain items but does not give you alot of details about the history of the many companies that produced Majolica.
Deruta: A Tradition of Italian Ceramics
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Bella Italia!
  • History of Deruta Pottery
  • Bellisimo!
  • A book that contains not only history but excellent pictures
Deruta: A Tradition of Italian Ceramics
Elizabeth Helman Minchilli
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0811817946

Book Description

The world can never get enough of wonderful Italy and all things Italian. The famed ceramics of Deruta are certainly no exception. The first comprehensive book to celebrate the design and evolution of this extraordinary art form, Deruta is exquisitely illustrated with over 150 colorful photographs of coveted "majolica." The author and photographers, working with Melanie Doherty, who was a designer in Italy for several years, dramatically portray the splendors of this living tradition. We see the finest examples of Deruta tableware and tilework as well as garden decorations, fa?ades, altars, and architectural details. While some pieces are highly collectible, others are inexpensive and perfect for everyday use. Deruta also includes profiles of the artisans' studios and a gallery of their work, as well as evocative black-and-white photos of the hill town they call home. With a history of the craft—an artistic heritage more than six centuries old—this singular volume is a must—have for collectors and for anyone inspired by Deruta ceramics, decorative art pieces that evoke the spirit of the Italian countryside.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Bella Italia!.......2004-06-20

This book provides a look at the history of Italian Majolica. I enjoyed looked at both past and present examples of the beautiful work of so many talented artisans. I would highly recommend this book to both new and current lovers of majolica. I would also rocommend visiting patriziaimports.com..they have a beautiful selection of items!

4 out of 5 stars History of Deruta Pottery.......2002-10-31

I puchased this book for my wife who brought home some pottery when she was in Umbria. I was hoping for a book that had a lot of pictures of the different kinds of Deruta pottery. This book was a history of the pottery from 1200-present. Although it was not what I thought, it was still very informative and enjoyable. I would recommend to anyone who wants to find out the history of this beautiful Italian pottery

5 out of 5 stars Bellisimo!.......2001-03-02

This is a beautiful book! I highly recommend it to anyone enchanted by Italian majolica and interested in it's history. After I read it, I thought I'd leave it on my coffee table for easy reference...but so many people at work have asked to borrow it! Even as I rode the train to work with the book in my lap, people next to me couldn't resist staring at the pictures and commenting on its beauty.

4 out of 5 stars A book that contains not only history but excellent pictures.......1999-09-21

This book is an excellent source of study, for the ones who want to know a little bit of the history of Deruta and its pottery tradition. For artists, it provides some wonderful pictures of many kinds of pottery in bright colours. The publishing quality is also very good.
Marvelous Majolica: An Easy Reference & Price Guide
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Marvelous Majolica is a Marvelous Book!
Marvelous Majolica: An Easy Reference & Price Guide
Jeffrey B. Snyder
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764312758

Book Description

A fascinating survey of the majolica ceramic wares produced in Victorian England, Europe, and America. Over 550 color photographs of these popular, brightly-glazed ceramics demonstrate the various forms in tablewares, serving dishes, figurals, planters, jardinieres, and vases that colored Victorian homes. Brief explanations of majolicas origins, manufacturing, and makers are included, and the items are organized into broad categories by ware type (jardinieres, plates, platters, etc.) for easy reference. Also included are a bibliography, index, and values with the photo captions.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Marvelous Majolica is a Marvelous Book!.......2004-04-30

A beautifully illustrated and thorough guide to Majolica, and an invaluable addition to any collector's library!
Warmans Majolica: Identification And Price Guide
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Good Information
Warmans Majolica: Identification And Price Guide
Mark F. Moran
Manufacturer: Krause Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0896892247

Book Description

Majolica pottery is among the most sought after in today's art pottery market. Warman's Majolica offers collectors a comprehensive guide to this style of ceramics, complete with 1,200 stunning full-color photos!

Majolica pottery from Minton, Wedgewood, George Jones, Worchester and Lear and Chesapeake Potteries are represented in the 1,200 listings and color photos of this extensive resource. Detailed descriptions, up-to-date prices and tips on deciphering fakes and reproductions assist collectors in accurately identifying a family heirloom or the result of several antique hunts. This is an essential guide for any Majolica enthusiast and an easy and detailed introduction for would-be collectors!

-1,200 spectacular full-color photos guide collectors in identifying pieces

-1,200 listings of popular majolica ceramics create a complete resource

-Current pricing, history and tips on spotting fakes helps get the most on every investment

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Good Information .......2007-04-10

I was trying to find out more information about Majolica. This book was a good start. The pictures are great and offers a lot of information. I really enjoyed this book.
The Majolica Murders
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Missed Opportunity
  • Interesting, but flawed
  • An Enjoyable Read...
  • The Majolica Murders
  • well written mystery
The Majolica Murders
Deborah Morgan
Manufacturer: Berkley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425209261

Book Description

When antiquer Jeff Talbot asks his friend Lanny to find some antique majolica for a gift for his wife, trouble begins--and gentle Lanny is accused of murdering a dishonest dealer.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars A Missed Opportunity.......2006-08-07

As a fan of this series I have always enjoyed its characters and the information provided about interesting antiques and collectibles. On those two scores this book does not disappoint. Ongoing characters continue to develop and I thought the new characters introduced were memorable. The background of antiques continues to provide interesting tidbits, in this case about majolica. However, I have to agree with other reviewers that the story progressed, maybe a bit slowly at times, but then the explanation came in a rush and did seem contrived and confusing. Honestly, I had to read it twice and was still left wondering. But I called this review "A Missed Opportunity" because the solution really did offer a fascinating plot line that, with some imagination, could have been developed through the book. The ending seemed to belong to a different story, and the story to a different ending. I'll still look forward to the next one but will hope for better.

4 out of 5 stars Interesting, but flawed.......2006-07-11

In general, this book was a well written entry in a good series. Familiar faces reappear throughout the story, and the background information on majolica and its collectors is interesting.

There are two problems with the story, however. First, I was not a fan of the technique of putting the climax in the first chapter of the book, then doing an extended flashback showing how things got to that point. It's a device that can be used to good effect, but in this case, it eliminates most of the suspense, since the reader knows who is and who is not responsible all along.

Second, when the "why" is revealed, it is quite contrived. When the true identity and motive of the killer are revealed, the reader is left with the sense that the motives were insufficient to incite murder. Because the rationale is rather senseless, the reader has little chance of deducing the solution before Morgan pulls it out of the hat.

Even with the let down at the end, I still enjoyed the book, and it is a decent entry into the series. Let us hope for a little more careful plotting in the next entry.

BTW, what happened to the directory of antique references included at the end of the book in the earlier stories? I missed it in this one.

3 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Read..........2006-04-18

I read mystery series because I enjoy the change and growth of the main characters throughout each successive novel. Deborah Morgan's Antique Lover's series fits this bill nicely. The characters are interesting, with the bonus that each novel covers a particular area of antiquing. However, I must agree with some of the other reviewers. While the mystery kept the characters in motion, the solution was implausible and seemed to wrap up almost as an afterthought. This won't stop me from reading and recommending this author, but I hope the next novel has a better plot.

3 out of 5 stars The Majolica Murders.......2006-04-17

I really enjoyed the previous books in this series but the ending in this one left me with many questions unanswered and loose ends that didn't make sense.
I re-read the last couple of chapters to see what I might have missed but as the previous reviewer stated it all seem a bit muddled. Hopefully Deborah Moragan will get back on track with the next book in this series.

4 out of 5 stars well written mystery.......2006-04-04

Back in the days when Jeff Talbot was an FBI agent and John "Lanny" Smith was an informant, the two men got to know each other on a very deep level without knowing anything specific about their personal lives. Lanny gave honest, reliable and useful information about cases the Fed was working on and was instrumental in saving Jeff's wife when she was kidnapped.

Now both men are pickers, searching for treasures to sell to antique stores or individual clients. Jeff asked Lanny to look for certain piece to give as a gift to his wife; Lanny locates it at Fiona Brock's store along with a piece that he wants for himself. Fiona promises to save it for him but she sells it to someone else for an outrageously inflated price. Lanny and Fiona get into a fight witnessed by four people. Later when Lanny goes back to apologize, he finds Fiona's murdered body. The police arrest him and Jeff bails him out. Jeff is determined to find the real killer. He interviews a street person who was one of the witnesses to the fight, but she is later killed in her hotel room. Jeff assumes the two killings are linked and sets out to prove it almost getting killed in the process.

Readers get a fascinating glimpse into the world of antique collecting and pickers in THE MAJOLICA MURDERS. The protagonist is a hero in every sense of the world, a caring and understanding person especially to his agoraphobic wife, understanding and accepting her condition and loves her all the more because she is trying to overcome it. This tale is as much a drama focusing on the human condition as it is a well written mystery.

Harriet Klausner
Italian Maiolica (Fitzwilliam Museum Handbooks)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Italian Maiolica (Fitzwilliam Museum Handbooks)
    Julia E. Poole
    Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0521565316

    Book Description

    Maiolica is a type of tin-glazed earthenware associated particularly with the Renaissance, when its colorful decoration was at its peak. It was made in Italy from the thirteenth century and is still in use today. This book provides an introduction to the history of maiolica, a glossary, and a bibliography, followed by sixty-four color illustrations and accompanying text, arranged chronologically to show some of the most characteristic styles of maiolica from about 1250 to 1920.
    Cerámica y Cultura: The Story of Spanish and Mexican Mayólica
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • A Talavera Source
    Cerámica y Cultura: The Story of Spanish and Mexican Mayólica

    Manufacturer: University of New Mexico Press
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 0826331025

    Book Description

    Brought to Spain in the thirteenth century by Islamic artisans, the enameled earthenware known as mayólica is decorated with a lead glaze to which tin oxide is added to create an opaque white surface. By the fifteenth century, several areas in Spain were well known throughout Europe for the quality of these ceramics, and with Spain's expansion into the New World the mayólica tradition came into Mexico. There it underwent further changes, notably the use of indigenous design motifs and patterns inspired by Chinese porcelain. Over the next three centuries, the potters of New Spain produced ceramics characterized by a distinctive mestizo aesthetic. This tradition continues today in both Mexico and Spain.

    Assembled in connection with a major exhibition at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, this book moves discussion of mayólica beyond its stylistic merits in order to understand it in historic and cultural context. The contributors, specialists in art and art history, architecture, anthropology, archaeology, and the folk arts, place the ceramics in history and daily life, illustrating their place in trade and economics. Examining both historic and contemporary examples, they also take us into the potters' workshops.

    By examining both historic and contemporary examples, the editors move discussion of the enameled earthenware known as mayólica beyond its stylistic merits in order to understand it in historic and cultural context. It places the ceramics in history and daily life, illustrating their place in trade and economics.

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars A Talavera Source.......2007-05-13

    This book is one of the most complete sources on this ceramic ware, which came from Spain with the Conquest and continues today in the center of Mexico.

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