Masterworks of Chinese Porcelain in the National Palace Museum (1970) is a definitive catalog showcasing the National Palace Museum’s (Taipei) unparalleled collection of Chinese ceramics, spanning Tang to Qing dynasties. Published during a pivotal era of cultural preservation, this meticulously researched volume features:
- Song Dynasty Ru, Guan, and Ding wares – Celebrated for their monochrome glazes and “ice crack” imperfections.
- Ming Xuande and Chenghua porcelains – Including underglaze-blue masterpieces and chicken-cup rarities.
- Qing famille-rose and enameled wares – Technical triumphs of the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong emperors.
For Collectors & Scholars
- Chinese Ceramics: A New Standard Guide (2011) by Regina Krahl – A modern companion with archaeological insights.
- The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City (2010) – Contextualizes Qing porcelain within court life.
- Song Dynasty Ceramics (2004) by Rose Kerr – Focused on the zenith of minimalist elegance.