China's Porcelain Capital: The Rise, Fall and Reinvention of Ceramics in Jingdezhen [Paperback]

Maris Boyd Gillette's groundbreaking study tells the story of Jingdezhen, China's porcelain capital, from its origins in 1004 in Song dynasty China to the present day.

Gillette explores how Jingdezhen has been affected by state involvement in porcelain production, particularly during the long 20th century. She considers how the Chinese government has consumed, invested in, taxed and managed the local ceramics industry, and the effects of this state intervention on ceramists' lives, their local environment and the nature of the goods they produce. Gillette traces how Jingdezhen experienced the transition from imperial rule to state ownership under communism, the changing fortunes of the ceramics industry in the early 21st century, the decay and decline that accompanied privatisation, and a revival brought about by an entrepreneurial culture focusing on the manufacture of highly-prized 'art porcelain'.

[China's Porcelain Capital] is filled with intriguing facts. Those with an interest in porcelain and anyone thinking about working in China, or having artwork made in China, should consider reading this book. Crafts magazine

Maris Boyd Gillette's book is a welcome addition to the literature on Jingdezhen. It is well sourced and benefits greatly from research in the town and familiarity at first hand with the practical aspects of the industry. Michael Dillon, The China Quarterly

A comprehensive examination of the ways in which the government of China has controlled, invested in, taxied, managed and consumed the products of the Chinese porcelain industry, especially in the twentieth century. Ringgold, USA

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