Ceramics give pleasure to our everyday lives from the beauty of a vase s elegant curves to the joy of a meal served upon a fine platter Ceramics originate in a direct engagement with the earth and maintain a unique place in the history of the arts In this book Allen S Weiss sharpens our perception of and increases our appreciation for ceramics all the while providing a critical examination of how and why we collect them Weiss examines the vast stylistic range of ceramics and investigates both the theoretical and personal reasons for viewing using and collecting them Relating ceramics to other arts and practices especially those surrounding food he explores their different uses such as in the celebrated tea ceremony of Japan Most notably he considers how works previously viewed as crafts have found their rightful way into museums as well as how this new found engagement with finely wrought natural materials may foster an increased ecological sensitivity The result is a wide ranging and sensitive look at a crucial part of our material culture