Bonhams Auctioneers and BBC Antiques Roadshow expert John Sandon looks at the many ways in which porcelain can be collected, dividing the book into collecting by style, by decoration, by maker or country of origin, and by object or shape. Styles and makes covered include Ming, Rococo, Japanese Imari, Meissen, Royal Worcester, Art Nouveau and Deco, Sevres and Limoges. A comprehensive introduction to the invention of porcelain and how it is manufactured is provided, including the factory processes involved in making the items, as well as details of what to look for and where to find it. Colour photographs illustrate the diversity of porcelain available, with feature tint-boxes on collecting information and advice. Fakes and reproductions are uncovered and tips are given on how to care for and display a porcelain collection. This volume should be useful to beginners and established collectors alike, providing the background information and detailed knowledge of the pieces available on the market needed to build a successful porcelain collection.

John Sandon has had an interest in porcelain from an early age, inherited from his father, Henry Sandon - another prominent figure in the antique ceramics world. John went to work at Phillips in London twenty-five years ago and soon established himself as a porcelain specialist. He is now director of the international ceramics and glass departments at Bonhams. John has written a number of books on the subject, as well as articles for magazines such as BBC Homes and Antiques, and he is a contributor to the annual Miller's Antiques Price Guide. He is best known for his regular appearances as a porcelain expert on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow.