The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique China and Silver: An Illustrated Guide to Tableware, Identifying Period, Detail and Design

This book is organized well, easy to understand and nicely illustrated. Provides a picture time line of the evolution of tableware and eating customs. Very interesting and helpful to the novice in developing an understanding of manufacture, style and utilization of table ware Readers shoul have an increased ability to identify pieces as to their origin, era and use. Only short coming was the book did not provide illustrations of the manufacturers marks. The author talked about them but should have shown them as they can help with the identification of the piece.

The reader is taken on a tour through the ages from the 16th century to the Retro period. Each general period, representing changes in design, style and use, begins with a table setting demonstrating functionality. Feature articles focus on important changes or developments in each period. A new perspective and understanding is, indeed, imparted.