Chinese pottery and porcelain; vol. 2. Ming and Ch'ing Porcelain

"Chinese Pottery and Porcelain; Vol. 2. Ming and Ch'ing Porcelain" by R. L. Hobson is a detailed scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This volume explores the rich history and development of Chinese porcelain during the Ming and Qing dynasties, focusing on the techniques, materials, and styles that characterized these periods. The book serves as an extensive reference on the subject matter, showcasing a wealth of information about the intricacies of porcelain production in China. The opening of the book sets the stage for an in-depth examination of the Ming dynasty's impact on Chinese ceramics, particularly highlighting the rise of Ching-tê Chên as a key center for porcelain production. Hobson discusses the historical context of the Ming era, detailing the establishment of imperial factories and their significance in producing high-quality porcelain. He also notes the varieties of wares produced, featuring descriptions of materials, firing techniques, and the evolution of artistic styles during this transformative period in Chinese art. Overall, the initial chapters present a rich tapestry of cultural and historical insights into the world of Ming porcelain. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Lockhart Hobson CB was a British civil servant and antiquarian. He was keeper of the Department of Ceramics and Ethnography at the British Museum and an authority on Far Eastern ceramics. He was noted for his cataloguing which The Times described as establishing firm facts for what had previously been "surmise and unproved tradition" and he was highly influential through his writing in the elevation of Chinese ceramics from craft works to the status of objects of fine art. He was president of the Oriental Ceramic Society from 1939 to 1942.