Best New Pottery and Ceramic Books 2026

This post is a round up of the best and most interesting new books on ceramics and pottery published in 2026. The books include artist monographs, technique, glaze recipes, material science, ceramic history, and more.

You might also want to check out our previous guides from 2025, 2024 or 2023.

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Kathy Butterly: Assume Yes

A survey of Butterly’s ceramic work from 1994 to the present, this monograph accompanies the recent exhibition at The Tang Museum in Saratoga Springs, New York. The book includes more than 200 artworks in full color showing the full range of Butterly’s experimental, sensuous works that draw on and reinvent the vessel tradition.

Kathy Butterly: Assume Yes
Edited by Ian Berry with contributions from Kathy Butterly, Forrest Gander, Theodora Bocanegra Lang, and Nancy Princenthal
Harcover, 320 pages
Published August 11, 2026 by DelMonico Books
$65

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Doyle Lane: Master of Clay

The first ever monograph of the Los Angeles-based artist who passed in 2002, the book details Lane’s work in tile murals, pottery, and his well-known “weed pots” or small vessels with textured, inventive glazes that can hold a single strand of grass or a small weed. Published with The Huntington Museum, the book traces Lane’s entire life and career.

Doyle Lane: Master of Clay
with contributions by Lauren Cross, Erin Chase, Cynthia Folette Jackson, and Theresa Williams
Hardcover, 144 pages
Published September 22, 2026 by Marquand Books
$40

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Manu-Facture: Lucio Fontana’s Ceramics

This catalog includes more than 70 ceramics works by the famed Italian / Argentinian artist, who made ceramics throughout his life, particularly in the last half of his career. The catalog accompanied an exhibition at The Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice, Italy from late 2025 through early 2026, which was one of the first exhibitions devoted solely to Fontana’s ceramic production.

Manu-Facture: Lucio Fontana’s Ceramics
Edited by Sharon Hecker with contributions from Raffaele Bedarida, Luca Bochicchio, Elena Dellapiana, Aja Martin, Paolo Scrivano, and Yasuko Tsuchikane
Hardcover, 224 Pages
Published April 7, 2026 by Marsilio Arte
$40

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Ceramic Oxides: A Practical Guide with 740+ Recipes for Artist

A guide for ceramic artists, this book covers a huge number of recipes based on 33 different oxides. Included are images of test tiles, giving a practical reference for those looking for recipes, along with advice for exploring your own oxides recipes.

Ceramic Oxides: A Practical Guide with 740+ Recipes for Artist
by Philippe Pirard
Hardcover, 144 pages
Published August 25, 2026 by Hoaki
$34

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Material Matters: An Artist’s Guide to Understanding Ceramic Materials
by Linda Bloomfield and Linda Swanson

For those interested in material science, this book explains and breaks down materials, clay, and glaze recipes to give a full picture of what is happening in ceramic works. With full color illustrations and charts throughout.

Material Matters: An Artis’t Guide to Understanding Ceramic Materials
by Linda Bloomfield and Linda Swanson
Hardcover, 240 pages
Published September 29, 2026 by Herbert Press
Listed at $45 but usually available for less

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The Pot Book: A Global Survey of Ceramic Craft and Design

Curated by ceramic artist and writer Edmund de Waal, this book gathers more than 300 ceramics spanning thirty thousand years including many works from present day. This is an updated, new version of the book so you may also find older used copies of previous editions for sale.

The Pot Book: A Lobal Survey of Ceramic Craft and Design
By Edmund de Waal with contributions by Claudia Clare and Sam McGuire
Hardcover, 320 Pages
Published October 14, 2026 by Phaidon Press
$60

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Breaking Tradition: The Avant-Garde in Japanese Ceramics 1948 to 1990

Breaking Tradition: The Avant-Garde in Japanese Ceramics 1948 to 1990
by Andreas Marks and Kida Takuya
Paperback, 144 pages
Published October 6, 2026 by Tuttle Publishing
$30

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Luminous Clay

Part of the ongoing series, The New Ceramics from Bloomsbury, this book details a new technique the author developed of turning bone china into paperclay, transforming and opening up the possibilities of whiteness and translucency.

Check out all the books in The New Ceramics here.

Luminous Clay: Working with Bone China and Porcelain Paperclay
by Angela Mellor
Paperback, 192 pages
Published March 10, 2026 by Bloomsbury / Herbert Press
Listed at $35 but usually available for less.

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Glaze Inspirations: A Photographic Guide to Glaze Practice & Surface Techniques

Louisa Taylor, the author behind The Ceramics Bible, Ceramics Masterclass, and Glazes for the Contemporary Maker, is back with a new book featuring photographs by Simon Punter. The book explores more than 800 illustrated glaze examples, providing photographic reference along with glaze theory and application methods.

Click here to read our look inside Ceramics Masterclass.

Glaze Inspirations: A Photographic Guide to Glaze Practice & Surface Techniques
by Louisa Taylor and Simon Punter
Paperback, 176 pages
Published August 25, 2026 by The Crowood Press
Listed at $28

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Exploring Crystalline Glazes

Some potters really connect with this technique and this book provides an introduction to materials, recipes, and firing techniques to create these almost otherworldly crystalline structures within a glaze surface. Author Diane Creber has an earlier book which contains much of the same info, but this is a new edition that is part of Bloomsbury’s series, The New Ceramics.

Exploring Crystalline Glazes
by Diane Creber
Paperback, 192 pages
Published July 14, 2026 by Bloomsbury / Herbert Pres
$34

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Glazes Uncovered: A Practical Handbook for Ceramic Enthusiasts

A complete overview of glazes by Belgian potter and glaze specialist Sofie Goethals, this illustrated book covers all aspects of glaze materials, development, and application.

Click here to see an instagram reel of the author and a preview video of the book.

Glazes Uncovered: A Practical Handbook for Ceramic Enthusiasts
by Sofie Goethals
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published December 1, 2026 by Lannoo Publishers
$80

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Throwing Clay: The Art of Making Pottery on the Wheel

One of three books published this year in Bloomsbury’s series, The New Ceramics, this book covers wheel throwing and pottery making. Click here to see an Instagram video of the author flipping through the pages. It’s a nicely illustrated book that adds to the growing number of volumes covering wheelthrowing.

Throwing Clay: The Art of Making Pottery on the Wheel
by Rebecca Proctor
Paperback, 192 pages
Published May 19, 2026 by Herbert Press / Bloomsbury
$35

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View this list of books at Bookshop.org:

For more new and recent books, check out these posts from previous years:

Best Pottery and Ceramic Books 2025

Best Pottery and Ceramic Books 2024

Best Pottery and Ceramic Books 2023

Best Pottery Technique Books 2022

Best Ceramic History Books and Monographs 2022

Gift Guide for Potters

See all posts tagged “ceramic library”

View all inspiration posts

Best New Pottery and Ceramic Books 2025

This post is a round up of the best and most interesting new books on ceramics and pottery published in 2025. The books include artist monographs, technique, glaze recipes, material science, ceramic history, and more.

You might also want to check out our previous guides from 2024 or 2023.

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Viola Frey: Artist’s Mind / Studio / World

The first monograph on the celebrated San Francisco Bay-area artist Viola Frey, this book covers more than 50 years of her career with new scholarly investigations, lots of illustrations, and an illustrated chronology. Frey has only become more prominent since her passing in 2004 and this is a long overdue deep look at her oeuvre.

Viola Frey: Artist’s Mind / Studio / World
By Cynthia de Bos, Jenelle Porter, Jodi Throckmorton, and Nancy Lim
Hardcover, 228 pages
Published December 2024 by Gregory R. Miller & Co
$55 but usually available for less

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Clay: A Human History

With a mix of archaeology, history, and her own experience as an amateur potter, Jennifer Lucy Allan tells the story of this material and it’s long history with humans, ranging from early figurines and clay tablets to today. Connecting clay and human history, Allan tells many stories that are illuminating for specialists and a general audience as well.

Clay: A Human History
by Jennifer Lucy Allan
320 pages, hardcover or paperback
Published March 4, 2025 by Pegasus Books
Hardcover $30, Paperback $16

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Amazing Glaze Food Safe Recipes: Innovative, Lab-Tested Techniques and Recipes

Following up on Gabriel Kline’s 2018 book Amazing Glazes, this time around he collaborated with chemist Bill Collins to explain testing techniques, equipment and materials to illuminate food-safe glaze techniques and recipes. This guide covers glaze safety, mixing and application methods, and includes more than 100 recipes and combinations. There’s also guidance on troubleshooting common issues with glazes.

Amazing Glaze Food Safe Recipes: Innovative, Lab-Tested Techniques and Recipes
by Gabriel Kline and Bill Collins
160 pages, Hardcover
Published October 28, 2025 by Quarry Books
$30

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The Great Pottery Throw Down: 20 Projects to Create at Home

A complete guide for beginners, this book covers setting up a studio, handbuilding and throwing techniques, and 20 projects inspired by the popular TV show.

The Great Pottery Throw Down: 20 Projects to Create at Home
176 pages, Hardcover
Published April, 2025 by Quadrille
Listed at $35 but usually available for less

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Ceramics: A Green Approach

Part of The New Ceramics series of books, this volume details how potters and ceramic artists can be more responsible in regards to sustainability including firing techniques, sourcing clay and glaze materials, packaging and shipping, and more.

Ceramics: A Green Approach
by Kevin Millward
224 pages, paperback
Published August 2025 by Herbert Press
Listed at $35

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Creative Pottery: Innovatie Techniques & Experimental Designs in Thrown & Handbuilt Ceramics

This innovative book, first published in hardcover in 2020 and then in paperback in 2025, has a unique approach to creating pottery with various combinations of slabs. Covering slabs and thrown molds, it truly is a new approach to creating pottery that will push both beginners and experienced makers to consider new ways of making.

Creative Pottery: Innovatie Techniques & Experimental Designs in Thrown & Handbuilt Ceramics
by Deb Schwartzkopf
192 pages, paperback
Published December 2025 by Quarry Books
$30

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Developing Glazes: Low-Fire Reducation and Oxidation

A guidebook to developing creative and experimental glazes, this book includes techniques and recipes for low fire temperatures (Cone 06 to 04) with step-by-step instructions and more. The book covers glazes, slips, and a guide to the ingredients needed to make these glazes.

Developing Glazes: Low-Fire Reducation and Oxidation
by Mary Fox
160 pages, hardcover
Published Novemeber 2025 by Harbour Publishing
Listed at $35

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Practical Pottery: A Complete Guide to Getting Started in Making Beautiful and Functional Bowls, Plates, Vases, & More on the Wheel

A comprehensive guide to making pottery on the wheel, this book covers choosing clay, shaping, centering, throwing and altering thrown forms. Also included are discussions of drying, trimming, and firing work. In short, a complete guide to making pottery.

Practical Pottery: A Complete Guide to Getting Started in Making Beautiful and Functional Bowls, Plates, Vases, & More on the Wheel
by Sus Borgbjerg and Susan Liebe
192 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2025 by Schiffer Craft
$30

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For more new and recent books, check out these posts from previous years:

Best Pottery and Ceramic Books 2024

Best Pottery and Ceramic Books 2023

Best Pottery Technique Books 2022

Best Ceramic History Books and Monographs 2022

Gift Guide for Potters

See all posts tagged “ceramic library”

View all inspiration posts

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10 Best New Pottery and Ceramic Books for 2024

There are a lot of great new books focusing on ceramics and pottery this year. This posts covers ten new books on ceramic artists and technique that were published in 2024, and a few from the very end of 2023.

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Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors by Ben Carter

An excellent introduction and guide to the world of low-fire glazes by Ben Carter, host of the Red Clay Rambler podcast and author of the popular book Mastering the Potter’s Wheel. This new book covers all aspects of mixing glazes, and includes numerous full-color images of example work along with a variety of recipes.

Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors
By Ben Carter
Hardcover, 176 pages
published September 2024 by Quarry Books
Listed at $30 but usually available for $27

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Magdalena Suarez Frimkess: The Finest Disregard

Catalogue from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art retrospective of ceramic artist Magdalena Suarez Frimkess. The 95-year-old artist is definitely having a moment this year and this wonderful catalogue is full of images of work, mostly from the past 10 years, along with essays and more.

Check out this post on the catalogue as well.

The Finest Disregard
Published by Los Angeles County Museum of Art and DelMonico Books, 2024
Hardcover, 128 pages
Listed at $49.95

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Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within

Another exhibition catalogue that is a worthy addition to any library is Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within, which accompanies the traveling exhibition of the same name. A long-due exploration of the artist, who lived from 1922 to 2011, the catalogue includes essays, lots of full-color images, and even some writings by Takaezu herself. The catalogue includes many examples of the “closed forms” which Takaezu is known for, along with other ceramics, paintings, and more.

Toshiko Takaezu: Worlds Within
By Glenn Adamson and others
Published by Yale University Press
Hardcover, 368 pages
Listed at $65 but usually available for less

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Glazes for the Contemporary Maker by Louisa Taylor

Louisa Taylor is a ceramic stalwart now, having published multiple editions of The Ceramics Bible and Ceramics Masterclass in 2020 (Check out a full review of Masterclass here). In her latest book, Taylor covers everything you need to get started with glazing. Chapters include “Establishing Your Glaze Practice,” studio setup, firing, and more, along with 200 illustrated recipes. Not as specific as the Low-Fire book mentioned above, this is a more general guide for getting started at all temperatures of firing ceramics.

Glazes for the Contemporary Maker
By Louisa Taylor
Published March, 2024 by The Crowood Press
144 pages
Listed $29.99 but usually available for less

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Magdalene Odundo: A Dialogue with Objects

Magdalene Odundo is a Kenyan-born, British artist known for elegant vessels that draw on traditions ranging from Aztec to Chinese to African pottery, and are in dialogue with contemporary traditions including modernism. In this survey work, potter and art historian Sequoia Miller provides a new perspective on Odundo’s work, and includes an in-depth look at Odundo’s prints and sketchbooks. The book includes a foreword by Susan Jefferies and contributions by Nehal El-Hadi, Elizabeth Harney, and Barbara Thompson.

Magdalena Odundo: A Dialogue with Objects
By Sequoia Miller and others
Published September 2024 by Princeton University Press
Hardcover, 112 pages
Listed at $49.95 but usually available for less

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Thrown by Lilly Maetzig

Following up 2023’s Handbuilt, Maetzig returns with a new book in a similar format, this time focusing on the pottery wheel. The book includes 20 projects ranging from dinner plates to lamp shades, and includes making, decorating, and firing instructions. If you are a fan of the artist’s Mae Ceramics line, or just looking for an inspirational book, this is a good introduction to functional homewares made on the wheel.

Thrown
By Lilly Maetzig
Published October 2024 by Quadrille Press
160 pages
Listed at $29.99

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Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists From Japan

Accompanying an exhibition of the same name, this catalogue explores 36 women artists from Japan who have made ceramic work in the past 50 years. Richly illustrated with short texts on each artists, this is a beautiful overview of recent work from Japan. The exhibition was at the Art Institute of Chicago last year, and is currently at the Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida, and will travel to The Ackland Art Museum at UNC Chapel Hill in 2025.

Radical Clay: Contemporary Women Artists From Japan
Edited by Joe Earle
Published Novemeber 2023 by the Art Institute of Chicago
128 Pages
Listed at $30 but often available for less

Architectural Pottery: Ceramics for a Modern Landscape

The book focuses on the firm Architectural Pottery, which launched in 1950 with modernist ceramic objects designed for the new houses being built in America. Accompanying an exhibition at the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, Calif., this book includes numerous black and white and color images. A must for any fan of midcentury modernism, this work also provides a historical background to the numerous artists and companies making large-scale ceramic furniture and planters today.

Architectural Pottery: Ceramics for a Modern Landscape
By Daniel Chavkin, Jeffrey Head, and Jo Lauria
Published September 2024 by The Monacelli Press
256 pages
Listed $59.95 but usually available for less

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Tecla Tofano: This Body of Mine

A small monograph on the Venezuelan artist Tecla Tofano (1927–1995), this book includes essays and images on this innovative artist. Tofano’s work is often totemic but also domestic, and explores issues of maternity, sexism, and socioeconomic status.

Tecla Tofano: This Body of Mine
Published February 2024 by James Cohan Gallery
112 pages, softcover
Listed at $35 but often available for less

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Dried Peyote and 7 Up: The Work and Vision of Michael Frimkess

A limited-edition book (edition of 250), this book focuses on Los Angeles ceramist Michael Frimkess (and spouse of Magdalena Suarez Frimkess). This is the first monograph on the artist’s 60-year plus career.

Dried Peyote and 7 Up: The Work and Vision of Michael Frimkess
Paperback
$100

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Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms

Organized chronologically with 220 color illustrations, artist and curator Glenn Barkley covers global culture by looking at ceramics, telling stories of how things were made, collected, and what roles they played and continue to play. A fascinating examination of the ceramic medium.

Ceramics: An Atlas of Forms
by Glenn Barkley
Hardcover, 320 pages
Published March 2024 by Thames & Hudson
$65

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For more books, check out these posts previous years:

Best Pottery and Ceramic Books 2023

Best Pottery Technique Books 2022

Best Ceramic History Books and Monographs 2022

You might also enjoy our Gift Guide for Potters

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Magdalena Suarez Frimkess: The Finest Disregard catalogue

Magdalena Suarez Frimkess is having quite the moment, with a retrospective up at LACMA and a solo show at Kaufmann Repetto Gallery in New York City. There’s also a new catalogue and variety of articles, including an ArtNews interview with Carolina Miranda. It’s a long overdue look at the work of the 95-year-old artist, who was born in Venezuela, began working professionally in Chile, and has called Los Angeles home since the 1960s, where she also collaborates with her ceramist husband, Michael Frimkess.

A two-page spread of ceramic Minnie Mouse sculptures, from the catalogue.

In the introductory essay to the catalogue, curator José Luis Blondet cites a 1962 Art in America article where Paul Harris called Suarez “the most daring sculptor working in Chile” whose work “is distinguished by the finest disregard for whatever is supposed to be so.”

Truly a fitting observation for the work of Suarez Frimkess, which looks deceptively simple at first but is full of numerous references to popular culture and art history and is carried through with a sculpting and drawing line that is all of a piece.

Blondet’s essay continues in noting that the finest disregard “assertion is helpful in understanding Suarez Frimkess’s relation to technique, particularly when it comes to her ceramic work…she refused to learn how to use the wheel, experiment with the kiln, or combine pigments to produce glaze.”

On the left, a vessel thrown by Michael Frimkess and painted by Magdalena Suarez Frimkess.

“That’s Michael’s territory,” Frimkess is quoted as saying about her husband, who has thrown thin and accomplished pots that Suarez Frimkess then decorates. “He wanted me to learn, but I didn’t want to mess with that.”

Blondet notes, “Aspirations to craft excellence have never been a primary concern in her practice. Instead…she forged a connection with traditional techniques on her own terms, using her background in sculpture, painting, and sewing.”

The finest disregard, indeed.

The cover of the catalogue.

Along with the essay by Blondet, the catalogue includes an essays by Jenni Sorkin and Carribean Fragoza, and short notes / essays by artists Luz Carabaño, Karin Gulbran, Ricky Swallow, Jonas Wood and Shio Kusaka. The catalogue is also wonderfully illustrated with images of work by Suarez Frimkess and includes numerous ceramics and drawings.

The Finest Disregard
Published by Los Angeles County Museum of Art and DelMonico Books, 2024
Hardcover, 128 pages
Listed at $49.95

Click the gallery below to see more images from inside the catalogue.

What do you think of the work of Magdalena Suarez Frimkess? Let us know in the comments.

The 14 Best New Pottery and Ceramics Books of 2023

Lots of great new titles focusing on pottery and ceramics were published in 2023 and late 2022. Our top picks are below, including a mix of technique and art history books.

For more books, check out these posts from last year:

Best Pottery Technique Books 2022

Best Ceramic History Books and Monographs 2022

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By My Hands: A Potter’s Apprenticeship by Florian Gadsby

Florian Gadsby has been documenting his ceramic journey since his student days via Instagram, YouTube and other social media sites. A dynamic, exacting potter and engaging instructor via his videos, in By My Hands Gadsby shares a behind-the-scenes look at his journey in his first book.

Hardcover, 400 pages, published Fall 2023 by Ten Speed Press, $35

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Handbuilt: A Modern Potter’s Guide by Lilly Maetzig

Lilly Maetzig is a potter who has built a strong following online for instructional videos (search for Mae Ceramics) and in her first book, introduces more than 20 projects that you can do without a wheel including a pedestal bowl, pinched teapot, and nest plates.

Hardcover, 176 pages, published spring 2023 by Quadrille Publishing, $24

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Form and Surface: African Ceramics from the William M. Itter Collection by Diane Pelrine

This book celebrates the African ceramics held in the collection of the Sidney and Lois Eskinazi Museum of Art at the University of Indiana.

Hardcover, 192 pages, published Fall 2023 by Scala Arts Publishers, $50

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Ceramic Artist on Creative Processes by Miguel Ángel Pérez Arteaga

In this book, 25 ceramic artists from around the world describe their art making methodology and practice in their own words. Richly illustrated, it offers a deep insight into the minds of professional artists.

Hardcover, 304 pages, published Fall 2023 by Hoaki, $40

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Lucie Rie: The Adventure of Pottery by Andrew Nairne

Published to coincide with a UK exhibition of Rie’s work, this catalogue includes five new essays examining Rie’s work and career and includes more than 150 images in full color.

Hardcover, 240 pages, published September 2023 by Kettle’s Yard, $45

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Beginner’s Guide to Decorating Pottery by Emily Reinhardt

A thorough guide for beginners, this book covers glazes, inlay and surface decoration, lusters, patterns and mark making, and more in an easy-to-follow format. Part of a series of beginner’s guides to ceramics.

Paperback, 160 pages, published September 2023 by The Quarry Books, $25

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Kate Malone: A Life in Clay by Emma Crichton-Miller

One of the UK’s leading ceramic artists, this monograph examines the work and career of Kate Malone, born 1959. With essays, color photographs and more, this book will be sure to delight fans of Malone’s work and others, who may have seen Malone as a judge on the Great Pottery Throwdown.

Hardcover, 252 pages, published by Skira, December 2023, $60.

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Colors of Kyoto: The Seifū Yohei Ceramic Studio by Shinya Maezaki

This book takes a deep and comprehensive look, for the first time in English, at the Kyoto studio of Seifū Yohei, who was the first ceramist to be named an Imperial Household Artist. The book includes essays and images of 100 artworks, as well as discussion of technique, forms, and glazes that were unique to the studio.

Paperback, 216 pages, published September 2023 by Giles, $30

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Promise Me The Earth by Kristin Morgin

This monograph examines Los Angeles artist Kristin Morgin who makes unfired sculptures from a mixture of clay, glue, wood and other materials. Known for her wit, craftsmanship, and ability to twist pop art to her own ends, this book includes a lengthy interview with the artist as well as numerous illustrations. Each copy is signed by the artist and includes a small drawing.

Hardcover, 120 pages, published Marc Selwyn FIne Art, late 2022, $60.

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Earth & Fire: Modern Ceramicists, Their Tools, Techniques, and Practice by Kylie Johnson and Tiffany Johnson

Earth & Fire explores the techniques and practices of 45 ceramic artists, ranging from potters to sculptors to jewelers and more. The book includes more than 300 color photos and illustrations, illuminating a wide variety of ceramic techniques.

Hardcover, 272 pages, published by Thames and Hudson, September 2023, $50

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Ash Glazes: Techniques and Glazing from Natural Sources by Phil Rogers and Hajeong Lee Rogers

Updated and edited by Hajeong Lee Rogers, this classic by Phil Rogers explores the history of ash glazes, how to test and mix the, and how to apply them to get the best results. With images of potters who use ash glazes from around the world, this new edition provides inspiration for ceramic artists interested in exploring and reinventing this age-old tradition.

Hardcover, 192 pages, published October 2023 by Herbert Press, $40

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Nina Fránková: Hollow by Nina Fránková

The first monograph on the Czech artist, who was born in 1987, the book includes numerous images and five essays.

Paperback, 160 pages, published fall 2023 by Onomatopee Projects, $18

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Ceramics in America 2023 edited by Robert Hunter

The latest edition of the yearly journal, the 2023 edition includes essays on backwoods North Carolina potter John Wesley Carpenter, contemporary artist David Mack, a snuff box made in London in the 18th century from American clay, and more. Richly illustrated throughout.

Hardcover, 240 pages, published Fall 2023 by the Chipstone Foundation, $65

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Roger Capron: Céramiste by Pierre Staudenmeyer

(Book is in French) A vastly expanded reprint of a 2003 monograph that examines the life and career of French ceramic sculptor and ceramic manufacturer Roger Capron, 1922–2006. This richly illustrated edition includes text by Pierre Staudenmeyer and an interview between Capron’s wife Jacotte Capron and Flavien Gaillard.

Hardcover, 208 pages, published October 2023 by Editions Norma, $60 (French language edition)

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Are there any recently published ceramic books that we missed? Let us know in the comments.

For more books, check out these posts:

Best Pottery Technique Books 2022

Best Ceramic History Books and Monographs 2022

See all posts tagged “Ceramics Library”

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Ceramics Masterclass by Louisa Taylor

Ceramics Masterclass: Creative Techniques of 100 Great Artists by Louisa Taylor

Ceramics Masterclass is a great book for anyone looking for inspiration and ideas in pottery and ceramic art. The book examines 100 contemporary and historical ceramic artworks by different artists, and includes advice and tips on the ideas, vision, and techniques behind each piece. Anyone can benefit and learn from this book, but it seems especially relevant to intermediate and advanced artists looking to take their work to the next level.

Two-page spread on Quantum Pocket II by Elizabeth Fritsch.

The 100 artworks are divided thematically into six sections: Vessel, Decorative, Function, Figurative, Conceptual, Installation. Within each section, each artist/artwork has a two-page spread with great images, an analysis of the work pictured, a short bio, and short bits on surface, process, material, or other aspects of the work.

The book also has about 30 pages on materials, tools, and techniques, and finishes with a few short pages with glaze recipes related to the works in the book. It is so helpful to break a work down by idea and materials and glazes, as sometimes the ceramic process can be so opaque.

Published in 2020, the book is by Louisa Taylor, who also writes the popular guidebook The Ceramics Bible. All in all, Ceramics Masterclass is well organized, practical, and inspirational book that deserves a spot on just about everyone’s bookshelf. It’s a great introduction to 100 different artworks and artists, and I hope there will be another volume with 100 more artists.

Ceramics Masterclass by Louisa Taylor
288 pages, published 2020 by White Lion Publishing
Listed at $30 but typically available for hardcover $28 or flexicover ($14-$28)

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More images from the book

Title page

Table of contents

Elisabeth Kley

Magdalene Odundo

Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran

Matt Wedel

Linda Sormin

Have you read the book? Let us know what you think about it in the comments.

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Gift Guide For Potters and Ceramic Artists

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14 New Pottery and Ceramic Technique Books 2022

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14 Best New Ceramic History Books and Artist Monographs

There are so many great new books on pottery and ceramics history! Here’s a round up of 14 top books from 2021 and 2022.

You might also enjoy our list of New Pottery and Ceramic Technique books.

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Ceramic, Art and Civilisation by Paul Greenhalgh

A major new history by Paul Greenhalgh, this textbook-sized book traces the evolution of ceramic art along with culture and civilization, looking at every aspect of the medium from ancient art to contemporary ceramic art. Even if you have read other histories of ceramics, this fresh take deserves a spot on your bookshelf.

Hardcover, 512 pages, published March 2021 by Bloomsbury Visual Arts, $50.

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Shapes From Out of Nowhere: Ceramics From the Robert A. Ellison Jr. Collection by Adrienne Spinozzi, Glenn Adamson, and Robert A. Ellison

This catalog documents Ellison’s collection and donation of 150 works of non-representational ceramic art to New York City’s Metropolitan Museum. It’s an interesting collection, inspired by George Ohr’s vessels and including lots of information on contemporary makers such as Kathy Butterly, Betty Woodman, and more. Along with essays by Glenn Adamson and others, it’s full of images.

Hardcover, 272 pages, published February 2021 by August Editions, listed at $69.95 but usually available for less.

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Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists by donald a clark and Chotsani Elaine Dean

This survey combines interviews and info on 38 contemporary Black ceramists, along with historical information and over 300 images. An important book that will fill in many gaps in ceramic scholarship, this book will be published in October of 2022.

Hardcover, 256 pages, published October 2022 by Schiffer Craft, $60.

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Listening to Clay: Conversations With Contemporary Japanese Ceramic Artists by Alice North, Halsey North, and Louise Cort

This volume shares interviews with 18 Japanese ceramic artists who have been working for decades; the subjects range in age from 62 to 92. Sharing their stories, processes, and ideas about clay, this is an excellent introduction to Japanese ceramic art in the Post World War II period to present times.

Hardcover, 352 pages, published February 2022 by The Monacelli Press, $65

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Grounded in Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery by the Pueblo Pottery Collective, Elysia Poon, and Rick Kinsel

This survey of more than 100 pieces of historical Pueblo Pottery was selected by Pueblo potters, artists, and community leaders. This group of 60 was then invited to comment on the pieces in prose, poetry, or any form, resulting in this amazing book that examines the rich history of ceramics in Pueblo communities.

Hardcover, 288 pages, published September 2022 by Merrell Publishers, $70.

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Commeraw’s Stoneware: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner by A. Brandt Zipp

This book presents the life and story of Thomas Commeraw, a New York City potter who was also an abolitionist, craftsman, and near the end of his life, a founder of a new Africa republic. Written by A. Brandt Zipp, a partner with the auction house Crocker Farm, this is the first major survey of Commeraw’s life and work.

Hardcover, 311 pages, published September 2022 by Crocker Farm, $95.

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Gifts from the Fire: American Ceramics, 1880-1950: From the Collection of Martin Eidelberg by Alice Cooney Frelinghuysen and Martin Eidelberg

Another entry from the Met, this book covers more than 180 ceramic works donated to the Met by Eidelberg from a 70 year period that ranges from the Arts & Crafts period through Modernism to abstract work from the mid-20th century. Lusciously illustrated along with essays, this is an excellent overview of Eidelberg’s collection and work from that era.

Hardcover, 256 pages, published November 2021 by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, $65

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Morten Løbner Espersen: Triumph and Catastrophe by by Morten Løbner Espersen, Jan de Bruijn, and Glenn Adamson

Colorful and variegated glaze surfaces are built on a variety of vessel forms in Espersen’s work, and many are included in this first monograph surveying the artist’s multi-decades long investigation of the ceramic vessel.

Hardcover, 160 pages, published June 2022 by Nai010 Publishers, $45

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Jamaican Ceramics: A Historical and Contemporary Survey by Norma Rodney Harrack

Spanning from pre-history to the present day, this survey covers all aspects of ceramics in Jamaica including European influences and African Jamaican work. The book is by Norma Rodney Harrack, a ceramic artist and professor in Kingston, Jamaica.

Paperback, 212 pages, published April 2022 by The University of the West Indies Press, $50.

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Unearthed: Twentieth-Century Ceramic Art from Portugal by Pedro Moura Carvalho

Portugal is known for azulejos, or blue and white tiles, but this new survey shows all the other developments in ceramics by Portuguese artists. With a deep focus on the the 1950s and 1960s, this is the first book to examine the complete history of ceramics in Portugal in the 20th Century.

Hardcover, 312 pages, published January 2022 by Arnoldsche Verlagsanstalt, $70

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Griot Potters of the Folona: The History of an African Ceramic Tradition by Barbara E. Frank

A story of resilience and cultural heritage, this book traces more than 700 years of pottery history in Mali through a focus on the Folona women potters of Southeastern Mali. Using a comparative analysis of styles and techniques, Frank traces the history and evolution of this style of pottery.

Paperback, 526 pages, published February 2022 by Indiana University Press, $40

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Mutable: Ceramic and Clay Art in India Since 1947 by Sindhura DM, Kristine Michael, and Annapurna Garimella

The first major survey of ceramic art in India, this book grew out of a 2017 exhibition and includes information on potters, industrial ceramics, and ceramic art and sculpture. The book also examines clay within the post-independence craft revival. Throughout, the mutability of clay and its varied contexts are a main focus of the book.

Paperback, 204 pages, published June 2021 by Mapin Publishing, $45.

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Pewabic Pottery: The American Arts and Crafts Movement Expressed in Clay by Thomas W. Brunk

The most extensive study to date on the famed Michigan pottery, Pewabic Pottery examines the entrepreneurs who founded the company, the unique glazes, and the pottery’s contribution to the Arts & Crafts Movement. Written by the expert on Pewabic Pottery, this book is must for anyone who is interested in the exquisite forms and glazes produced at Pewabic.

Hardcover, 496 pages, published May 2021 by Michigan State University Press, $56

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Alice Mackler by Matthew Higgs, Kelly Taxter, and Joanne Greenbaum

The first monograph on this New York artist who was born in 1931, this book covers Mackler’s work in painting, collage and especially ceramic sculpture. Still pushing the medium forward and creating new work, the book also includes writings by Mackler and an interview with painter Joanne Greenbaum. It’s a lovely book that celebrates the exuberance and beauty of Mackler’s work.

Hardcover, 184 pages, published February 2021 by George R. Miller and Company, $45

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You might also enjoy:

14 Best New Ceramic Technique Books 2022

Ceramic Textbooks and Guidebooks

A Potter’s Workbook by Clary Illian

Gift Guide for Potters

See all books tagged “Ceramic Library”

Any recent ceramic histories or monographs that you have enjoyed?

Let us know in the comments.

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The 14 Best New Pottery and Ceramics Technique Books of 2022

There’s a lot of info out there on how to grow and improve in ceramics and pottery, but sometimes the best resource for learning new techniques is a well put-together book.

Here’s a round up of some of the best books published in 2021 and 2022 (and a few favorites from 2020 as well).

Boy in a China Shop by Keith Brymer Jones will be published in fall 2022. (shop at Amazon)

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Creative Pottery: Innovative Techniques and Experimental Designs in Thrown and Handbuilt Ceramics by Deb Schwartzkopf

Whether you are a handbuilder or work on the wheel, this book is a guide to taking your ceramics to the next level. Add complexity to your projects with simple changes, learn how to make bisque molds, or choose from other projects in this self guided book from potter Deb Schwartzkopf, founder of Rat City and Rain City studios in Seattle.

Hardcover, 192 pages, published June 2020 by Quarry Books, $30

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Mastering Sculpture: The Figure in Clay: A Guide to Capturing the Human Form for Ceramic Artists by Christina Córdova

This richly illustrated guidebook will take you through the steps needed to sculpt a figure in clay starting with sketches, various techniques to build a hollow form that can make it through a firing, and then patterns and instructions to make larger forms. Written by acclaimed sculptor Christina Córdova.

Hardcover, 192 pages, published June 2022 by Quarry Books, $35

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Carve Your Clay: Techniques to Bring the Ceramic Surface to Life by Hilda Carr

This popular book covers a variety of carving techniques including scraffito, etching, inlay, wire cutting, and more with more than 20 inspiring projects. With step-by-step instructions, this is a great technique book from the London-based studio potter, Hilda Carr.

Hardcover, 144 pages, published August 2020 by Quarry Books, $27

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Pottery for Beginners: Projects for Beautiful Ceramic Bowls, Mugs, Vases, and More by Kara Leigh Ford

Aimed at beginners, this book covers handbuilding and wheel throwing, as well as how to set up a workspace. Filled with projects, tips, and ideas, this book is the perfect guide for anyone who wants to get started with clay.

Paperback, 192 pages, published October 2021 by Page Street Publishing, $23

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Boy in a China Shop: Life, Clay and Everything by Keith Brymer Jones

Fans of The Great Pottery Throwdown and potters will love this book by Brymer Jones, judge on the popular BBC series. In a series of chapters inspired by significant objects (usually pots), Brymer shares stories and insights from his life and work.

Hardcover, 352 pages, published October 2022 by Hodder & Stoughton, $29

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Contemporary Raku by Stephen Murfitt

This new publication is a complete guide to raku firings and techniques, as well as sources of inspiration. It’s got information on tools and equipment, health and safety measures, and more. The book is by Stephen Murfitt, a British studio potter who also wrote The Glaze Book, from 2002.

Paperback, 176 pages, published September 2022 by The Crowood Press, $43

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The Beginner's Guide to Hand Building: Functional and Sculptural Projects for the Home Potter by Sunshine Cobb

For those who might just have access to a table at home, this is the book for you. Written by Sunshine Cobb (who also wrote 2018’s Mastering Hand Building) this book is focused on projects that can be made just about anywhere, whether it’s a kitchen table or studio. With a focus on skill building, this book covers projects ranging from a scoop to a citrus juicer to small animals and sculptures.

Hardcover, 176 pages, published by Quarry Books, October 2022, $25.

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Wild Clay: Creating Ceramics and Clazes from Natural and Found Resources by Matt Levy, Takuro Shibata, and Hitomi Shibata

Finding your own clay—especially for use as a glaze material or to augment a commercial clay body—is increasingly popular and this book is a guide to finding, testing, and using wild clay.

Hardcover, 176 pages, published October 2022 by Herbert Press, $40

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Amazing Glaze: Recipes and Combinations: 200+ Surefire Finishes for Low-Fire, Mid-Range, and High-Fire Pottery by Gabriel Kline

A follow-up / companion to Kline’s 2018 book Amazing Glaze, this volume delves into more glaze recipes, combinations, and modifiers with recipes and images for all firing temperatures and styles. A great addition to your glaze library, and based on Kline’s decades of experience as a potter and instructor.

Hardcover, 176 pages, published August 2021 by Quarry Books, $30

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The Ceramics Bible Revised Edition by Louisa Taylor

First published in 2011, this revised edition of The Ceramics Bible includes new techniques, images, artist profiles, and more. This book has become a studio standard and the revised edition only makes it better. Written by Louisa Taylor, a British studio potter.

Hardcover, 176 pages, published by Chronicle Books, January 2022, $45

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Ceramics Masterclass: Creative Techniques of 100 Great Artists by Louisa Taylor

Also by Louisa Taylor, author of The Ceramics Bible, this 2020 book explores 100 works of ceramic art and discusses techniques, methods, and concepts behind the works. Presented as a two-page spread per artwork, this is a great book for experienced makers who enjoy a deeper look at ceramics.

Hardcover or Flexbound, 288 pages, published August 2020 by Frances Lincoln, $30

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Pinch Your Pottery: The Art & Craft of Making Pinch Pots by Jacqui Atkin

A seemingly simple clay technique, pinching can be used to make just about any form. Starting with basics, this book has 35 project ideas for taking pinched clay to the next level. Written by Jacqui Atkin, a British potter who has written numerous books on ceramic techniques.

Hardcover, 176 pages, published June 2021 by Quarry Books, $25

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Kintsugi: The Poetic Mend by Bonnie Kemske

This is not exactly a technique book, but instead is history and meditation on the Japanese technique of repairing broken vessels and highlighting the repairs with gold. The book explains kintsugi, gives current and historical examples, and examines how the technique developed. Full of images and illustrations, this is a beautiful examination of kintsugi.

Hardcover, 176 pages, published April 2021 by Herbert Press, $38

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The Beginner's Guide to Wheel Throwing: A Complete Course for the Potter's Wheel by Julia Claire Weber

An introductory guide for those looking to start on the potter’s wheel, The Beginner’s Guide to Wheel Throwing covers bowls, cups, clay bodies, tools, and everything else needed to get started on the pottery wheel. Focused on skill building while introducing tips and tricks, the book also has a gallery of examples by contemporary potters. Written by Julia Claire Weber, a potter based in Asheville, North Carolina.

Hardcover, 144 pages, published December 2021 by Quarry Press, $27

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Are there any recently published ceramic technique books that you use? Let us know in the comments.