This article forms part of the Decorative and Applied Arts Encyclopedia, a master reference hub providing a structured overview of design history, materials, movements, and practitioners.
Chinese Ceramics: Highlights of the Sir Percival David Collection
by Regina Krahl (Author), Jessica Harrison-Hall (Author)
Outside of Asia, Sir Percival David amassed one of the best collections of Chinese ceramics. Many imperial-quality artifacts include stunning specimens of highly rare Ru and guan ceramics and the famed David vases. Their inscriptions date from 1351, giving them a globally recognized standard for determining the age of Chinese blue and white porcelain.
Here are 50 highlights, all accompanied by colour images explicitly made for this publication. The following text provides further information and highlights the key characteristics of each item. The collection’s breadth and depth give enough material for a breathtaking overview and approachable introduction to Chinese ceramic art.
More Ceramic Design
Bohemian Glass: The Historic Tradition of Czech Crystal and Decorative Glass
Bohemian glass, a historic Czech tradition, is renowned for its intricate cutting and engraving, blending beauty and craftsmanship across centuries, significantly influencing European decorative arts.
Keep reading
Marguerite Friedlaender and the Burg Giebichenstein Service
Marguerite Friedlaender’s Burg Giebichenstein dining service reflects Bauhaus principles, combining functionality and modern aesthetics, significantly influencing 20th-century ceramic design.
Keep reading
Vienna Secession Style: The Birth of Modern Austrian Design
The Vienna Secession (1897) challenged traditional art, promoting a modern aesthetic centred on geometric design, unity in arts, and elegant simplicity, influencing international design significantly.
Keep reading
Menuisier: The French Joiner in the Hierarchy of Furniture Making
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the French menuisier crafted essential furniture from solid wood, distinguishing their work from the ébéniste’s veneered pieces, reflecting skilled craftsmanship and collaborative production.
Keep reading
Eugène Grasset | Art Nouveau Ornament, Botanical Design & Theory
Eugène Grasset, a pivotal Art Nouveau figure, combined nature-inspired ornamentation with modern functional design principles, significantly influencing decorative arts and design education by the early twentieth century.
Keep reading
Hard Paste Porcelain | Decorative Arts Dictionary
Hard paste porcelain, developed from kaolin and petuntse, offers exceptional durability and translucency. Originating in China, it influenced European ceramics after successful replication in 1709.
Keep readingRelated Articles
Discover more from Encyclopedia of Design
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.