Pottery & Porcelain Tablewares by John P. Cushion

Pottery & Porcelain Tablewares by John P. Cushion is an indispensable reference work for collectors, antique dealers, auctioneers, restorers, museum professionals, and anyone with an interest in historic ceramics. Designed as a practical identification guide rather than simply a pictorial catalogue, this comprehensive volume helps readers recognise and distinguish the countless forms, shapes and decorative styles used in pottery and porcelain tablewares over several centuries.

Containing more than 900 detailed line drawings alongside 48 colour photographs, the book allows collectors to identify factories and manufacturers by comparing the distinctive profiles of teapots, coffee pots, jugs, cups, saucers, tureens, sugar bowls, creamers, plates, serving dishes and numerous other domestic wares. The systematic arrangement makes Pottery & Porcelain Tablewares particularly useful when identifying unmarked or partially marked ceramics found at auctions, antique fairs, estate sales or private collections.

John P. Cushion’s straightforward approach transforms what can often be a confusing field into an accessible and practical reference. Instead of relying solely on decorative patterns, Pottery & Porcelain Tablewares places considerable emphasis on vessel shapes and handle designs—features that frequently provide important clues to age, manufacturer and origin. This makes the volume valuable for both beginning collectors and experienced specialists seeking a reliable desktop reference.

Beautifully produced and extensively illustrated, Pottery & Porcelain Tablewares remains a respected guide decades after publication. It continues to serve as a useful resource for identifying English, European and other historic ceramic tablewares, making it an excellent addition to any library devoted to antiques, ceramics, decorative arts or collecting.

Condition – Very Good

1976 grey cloth hardcover with black lettering on the spine. The dust jacket has been professionally tape repaired along the top and bottom edges. Internally clean and sound with no notable defects apart from a previous owner’s sticker on the front endpaper.