During the rich and colourful T’ang dynasty, which lasted from 618 to 906, Chinese civilization reached one of its high peaks, some would say its highest peak of all. Territorial expansion and international trade led to an unprecedented influx of foreign merchants and diplomats, of new ideas and fashions. There was a fresh and open delight in the arts, in painting, poetry, music, and not least in ceramics. Scarcely ever before had the world seen such virtuosity, variety and sheer joie de vivre in their production. It is remarkable that Margaret Medley’s T’ang Pottery and Porcelain is the first major book to have been solely devoted to the subject. It will be of the greatest value to anyone with an interest in Chinese history and ceramics. (from the publisher’s description) With 18 colour plates, 143 b/w photographs.