Before being written, this book had one aim: "to furnish collectors with a series of representations of some of the finest examples (of china) which are known to exist." To accomplish this goal some 180 pieces of china were carefully photographed and provided with descriptive captions. This book quickly became the standard and, after 60 years of limited publication, is finally accessible to every collector. These examples chronicle increasingly complex techniques and changing fashion in form and color. They depict: Greek amphrae, ewers, deities, dragons, burial guards, etc. all delicately modeled and glazed with 192 black & white and color illustrations. Collectors already know the worth of this book; readers and art lovers will find why "china" is the best word for it.