Publisher's Synopsis
Introducing a series quite unlike any other on the market. Miller's Treasure or Not? series is a clear, accessible, easy-to-follow guide to developing an appraiser's eye and a connoisseur's knowledge of American Art Pottery. At the heart of each volume are 61 full-colour, 2-page spreads in which pairs of related objects are analyzed, compared, and evaluated, with the object of answering the question why is one item more valuable than the other. The factors involved may be age, rarity, intricacy of design, maker, marks, provenance, lack of defects, later additions, restoration, etc. The expert authors hone in on the salient "value features" and clearly explain what makes an object worth what the market says it is worth. Each core spread consists of two large-scale, full-colour photos of the contrasted items, surrounded by call-outs highlighting the key "value features". Introductory text describes the pieces and their provenance and background. Bulleted points summarize the main points about each item, and feature boxes give additional information on history, material, manufacturers, marks, construction techniques, etc.All of the key studios are covered including Paul Revere Pottery, Rookwood, Grueby Faience, Dedham, Volkmar, Taco and many more. The book opens with topics such as How to Use, Buying and Selling, Care and Security, The Basics (Materials, Decorations, Periods & Styles), and Identification. There is also a directory of specialists, galleries, and museums; a bibliography; a glossary; and an index
