The Collector's Handbook to Keramics of the Renaissance and Modern Periods
"The Collector's Handbook to Keramics of the Renaissance and Modern Periods" by William Chaffers is a specialized guide focused on pottery and porcelain from the Renaissance to the Nineteenth Century. This handbook, which is likely written in the early 20th century, serves as a companion to Chaffers' larger work, "The Keramic Gallery," and aims to assist collectors and enthusiasts in identifying and appreciating various ceramic styles and craftsmanship throughout the specified periods. The opening of the text provides an overview of the context and purpose of the handbook. It highlights that it is an abridged version, offering illustrations and historical accounts of different types of pottery, specifically focusing on maiolica and its various Italian origins, along with descriptions of notable ceramic artists and their works. The narrative touches on manufacturing regions like Urbino, Gubbio, and Faenza, providing insights into their unique stylistic contributions to ceramic art, thereby setting a comprehensive foundation for collectors seeking to identify and understand the history of their specimens.