|
"[T]he long-awaited book, written and designed by Rickard with images by the author and noted decorative-arts photographer Gavin Ashworth, is visually seductive and compelling in its scholarship, accomplished over the past 17 years." —Antiques and the Arts
An authoritative guide to the history and craft of this rare and much sought-after ceramic ware.
Until now, mocha ware, with its mysterious origins and variable nomenclature, has not been widely studied or chronicled. Jonathan Rickard, with more than thirty years’ experience as a collector, scholar, and enthusiast of mocha and dipped wares, has written the definitive book on this once widely produced pottery.
Long considered a uniquely Victorian product, mocha ware was actually developed as early as the late eighteenth century. It was likely named after the Yemeni port city of al Mukha, famed for its trade in a moss agate, known as “mocha stone,” which resembled the beautiful and delicate treelike striations (the products of chemical reactions) for which mocha ware is best known. Rickard outlines the development of new types of slip decoration and the tools that made them possible. Because mocha ware was made with relatively soft clay and designed mainly for everyday use, surviving specimens are rare and thus highly prized by collectors today.
By his strict definition of mocha ware, Rickard makes an argument in favor of period terminology in describing other types of lathe-turned slipwares. He offers a detailed analysis of production techniques and decorative typologies, as well as a broad-ranging history of the wares from their development in eighteenth-century England to their widespread popularity in the American market well into the twentieth century. This definitive volume also contains a discussion of mocha’s principal manufacturers, a detailed glossary, and a bibliography. Lavishly illustrated with color and black-and-white photographs, this book is an absolute necessity for casual and experienced collectors, museum curators, and scholars of British and American material culture.
This "well-illustrated book draws upon the author's thirty-plus years of experience as a collector, scholar and enthusiast of mocha ware, a subject that has not been widely studied or chronicled" that includes "a detailed analysis of production techniques and decorative typologies as well as a broad-ranging history of the wares from development in eighteenth-century England to widespread popularity in the American market well into the twentieth century. He also includes a discussion of mocha's principlal manufacturers and detailed glossary."—Ceramics Monthly
"Rickard's volume, in addition to being a gorgeous and enjoyable read, is filled with information that will serve as a valuable resource to archaeologists and anyone interested in dipped wares."—Historical Archaeology
"Jonathan Rickard's authoritative text—perfect for collectors—outlines the long history of mocha ware, drip ware, and other types of slipwares, plus describes the process of how they are crafted. Rickard also provides detailed information on mocha ware's principle manufacturers and an extensive bibliography."—Country Home Magazine, June 2006
“This is THE reference on mocha and dipped wares! Jonathan Rickard's extensive archival and museum research, his visit to the sites where the wares were produced and use of sherds excavated from potters‚ waster pits has produced a great reference on the subject. All of this is in addition to wonderful photographs by Gavin Ashworth of pieces from Jonathan's great collection.”—George L. Miller, Laboratory Director, URS Corporation
"Jonathan Rickard has produced a fascinating work, equally useful for archaeologits, ceramic historians and collectors. The author's descriptions of the techniques of manufacture, coupled with Gavin Ashworth's gorgeous and detailed photographs, are essential to understanding how these unusual wares were made. I also enjoyed his insight into the world of collecting, and into the place of these 'fancy wares' in the context of history and culture."—Barbara H. Magid, Assistant Director, Alexandria Archaeology Museum
Click here for TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Selected for Choice Magazine's annual Outstanding Academic Title list 2006
• Finalist: Connecticut Center for the Book Award
|
|
JONATHAN RICKARD is a self-employed writer and graphic designer. He is a former trustee of the American Ceramic Circle and the Antiquarian and Landmarks Society in Hartford, Connecticut, and writes and lectures frequently on ceramics history and design.
|
|
|
|
