An extraordinary survey of ceramics spanning over thirty thousand years, curated by the famed artist and writer Edmund de Waal

The history of ceramics is ingrained in the history of humankind. Among the earliest crafts to develop, ceramic artifacts date back to the late Paleolithic period, revealing the prominence of this medium in our everyday lives and those of our predecessors.

The Pot Book is a stunning survey of over 300 ceramic objects created across eras and around the world. Curated by artist and writer Edmund de Waal, the diverse selection includes jugs, vases, plates, beakers, amphorae, and more.

Entries range from the simple to the sublime: a hand-painted jug by an unnamed Chinese artisan that dates back to the third millennium BC; a delicate porcelain plate from eighteenth-century Copenhagen; a playful vase by the influential Italian designer Ettore Sottsass; contemporary artworks by Phoebe Collings-James, Theaster Gates, Simone Leigh, and Grayson Perry ; and other fascinating objects.

Each entry is represented with a dedicated full page featuring a large-scale image accompanied by key details and insightful, engaging text. Each entry is sequenced in alphabetical order by the name of the artist/potter, the school, or style, creating a grand tour through the very finest examples of the art form.

Edmund de Waal OBE is an artist and writer based in London. Working primarily in ceramics, de Waal’s work has been widely exhibited at such galleries and museums as the V&A and The British Museum, London; The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam and The Frick Collection in New York. His commitment to and exploration of ceramics and the art of collecting enriches his writings on the medium, which have been published in over thirty languages.