Research staging site · provisional research data, not peer-reviewed or published
The Book

Forms Through Time: An Illustrated History of Ceramic Vessels

A reference publication of 400–600 pages organised by form, function and comparison, with consistent profile illustrations, measurements and size equivalents. The database is its companion.

How have people around the world shaped clay into vessels, and what can these forms tell us about their lives, cultures, technologies and needs?

In research and developmentStructure, scope and publishing arrangement to be confirmed.

What the book will contain

01

Organised by form

Chapters follow vessel form, function, morphology and comparison, so related shapes from different cultures sit side by side.

02

Consistent profile illustrations

Every vessel is drawn as a vector profile in the same line style and scale, so proportions can be compared directly.

03

Measurements and capacities

Each profile carries its dimensions, capacity and a size equivalent, drawn from the holding institution’s record.

04

Sources credited

Every object is credited to its holding institution, with verified evidence kept separate from interpretation.

The companion database

The book’s research is built in the open. The founding collection currently holds 0 records from 0 holding institutions, classified with the same method and terms the book will use.

Written for

  • Studio potters
  • Students and educators
  • Archaeologists, curators and researchers
  • Designers
  • Collectors
  • History enthusiasts

Follow the book’s progress

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