Comprehensive Guide to American Painted Porcelain

Rating:
Summary: American Painted Porcelain by Dorothy Kamm
Review: China painting was a popular pastime in the Victorian era. This book is very useful in identifying items from the period 1877-1917. Some pieces are unmarked and some are marked with various manufacturers but were sold as "blanks" and decorated. Descriptions of how the items were used at the turn of the century, outlines of how the items were produced, and examination of the styles of painting are considered in evaluation and in valuation. Values in average retail range were given for approximately 400 pieces. Artists and studios are listed so that you can find out more about your signed pieces. I wish more information was available on the decals used.

Rating:
Summary: American Painted Porcelain by Dorothy Kamm
Review: China painting was a popular pastime in the Victorian era. This book is very useful in identifying items from the period 1877-1917. Some pieces are unmarked and some are marked with various manufacturers but were sold as "blanks" and decorated. Descriptions of how the items were used at the turn of the century, outlines of how the items were produced, and examination of the styles of painting are considered in evaluation and in valuation. Values in average retail range were given for approximately 400 pieces. Artists and studios are listed so that you can find out more about your signed pieces. I wish more information was available on the decals used.

Rating:
Summary: Kamm's companion to her previous book shines!
Review: When I received the Comprehensive Guide to American Painted Porcelain, by Dorothy Kamm, I was concerned that this would be a rehash of her previous book entitled, American Painted Porcelain. But to my suprise and satisfaction, this book is the perfect companion to the first. Whereas the first book answered general questions regarding identifying and pricing American hand painted porcelain treasures, her new book goes into greater detail regarding the history, function, and the importance of these pieces within the American culture, emphasizing the Victorian, and post-Victorian era. Having read this book from cover to cover, I feel more confident in identifying, pricing, and understanding the significance of these art treasures. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in porcelain and/or Victorian history. This book is a steal relative to the wealth of information conveyed to the reader.