[MR] New Book on Portuguese Pottery

[Garth Groff]

Noble friends,

Just received in the UVA Fine Arts Library: PORTUGESE FAIENCE IN ENGLAND 
AND IRELAND by Tânia Manuel Casimiro (ISBN: 9781407308784; our call# 
NK4305.5 .P8 C3713 2011). Normally most of us probably think of 
blue-decorated pottery as being Chinese or Dutch. The Portuguese also 
made similar tableware (sometimes in other colors) since at least 1500. 
This volume explores such wares as exported to the British Isles 
beginning in the early 16th century, and covering up to the 18th 
century, largely based on pieces found in excavations. Various chapters 
give an overview of the various forms in which these wares were made 
(plates, bowls, urns, etc.), as well as distinctive decoration by 
historical period. There are also a sections on the clays themselves, 
and production techniques.  The work is illustrated with numerous 
drawings and many (mostly color) photographs. Among the most interesting 
pieces are those decorated with the heraldic devices of their owners 
(what great feast gear that would be for us!). An extensive bibliography 
will lead the interested reader to similar works. There is no index. 
This is a great book for Scadian artisans, kitchen mavens, and anyone 
who is interested in learning more about upper class domestic life in 
Tudor England.

Yours Aye,


Lord Mungo Napier, Shire of Isenfir's Unofficial Librarian
(aka Garth Groff, cataloger, UVA Library System)