E. Further Reading:

 

1.   Allan, James W.
    "Abu’l-Qasim", Iran 11 (1973) 111-20
     
    Comments: The only available English translation of Abu’l-Qasim’s appendix on ceramic manufacture, the most important primary source for this subject. There is also a useful commentary and bibliography.
     
    Shelfmark: Oriental Institute: P. 670
     
     
2.   Caiger-Smith, Alan,
    Tin-glaze pottery in Europe and the Islamic World: the tradition of 1000 years in maiolica, faience and delftware. (London, 1973)
     
    Comments: Alan Caiger-Smith is a practising potter so his books on pottery and especially their technical sections are very interesting and reliable to read.
     
    Shelfmark: Bodstack: 1754 d.359; EAL: BWn Cai
     
     
3.   Caiger-Smith, Alan,
    Lustre pottery: technique, tradition and innovation in Islam and the Western World. 2nd edition. (London, 1991)
     
    Comments: As above, Alan Caiger-Smith is a practising potter so his books on pottery and especially their technical sections are very interesting and reliable to read.
     
    Shelfmark: Bodstack: 1754 d. 548; EAL: BWn Cai
     
     
4.   Hamer, F. & J.
    The Potter’s Dictionary of Materials and Techniques. 3rd edition. (London, 1991)
     
    Comments: A helpful illustrated reference book for looking up most things you need to know, though not limited to the Islamic world.
     
    Shelfmark: Bodstack: M92. D1422
     
     
5.   Mason, R.B. and Keall, E.J.
    "The ‘Abbasid Glazed wares of Siraf and the Basra Connection: Petrographic Analysis", Iran 29 (1991) 51-66
     
    Comments: Mason’s first article applying scientific analysis to ceramic studies: a very useful overview of early Islamic pottery production and centres, a summary (from Whitehouse) of the archaeological finds at Siraf, and clear diagrams to illustrate what he’s talking about with petrography.
     
    Shelfmark: Oriental Institute: P. 670
     
     
6.   Mason, R.B. and Tite, M.S.
    "The beginnings of Stonepaste Technology", Archaeometry 36, 1 (1994) 77-91 [Bulletin of the Research Laboratory for History, Archaeology and Art History, Oxford University]
     
    Comments: Clear description of the analytical methods used and results gained, with a useful discussion putting the results into historical context and providing a helpful overview. A must-read to understand the spirit of experimentation and innovation of this period.
     
     
7.   Mason, R.B. and Tite, M.S.
    "The beginnings of tin-opacification of pottery glazes", Archaeometry 39, 1 (1997) 41-58
     
    Comments: As above, a clear description of the analytical methods used and results gained, with a useful discussion putting the results into historical context and providing a helpful overview. A must-read to understand the spirit of experimentation and innovation of this period.
     
     
8.   Rice, P.M.
    Pottery Analysis: A Sourcebook. (University of Chicago Press, 1987)
     
    Comments: An invaluable starting point if you want to understand the chemistry of ceramics, with an ethnographic look at modern-day pottery production and practices, recent technological applications and explanations, and a comprehensive glossary. This book will tell you everything you need to know!
     
     
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