Sir Terry Frost, one of the most prominent abstract artists of his generation.Terry Frost only began to pursue an artistic career in his thirties, but he quickly established his reputation and rose to become one of the leading abstract artists of his time. Frost is best-remembered today for his association with the St. Ives artistic […]
Renowned singer-songwriter and artist, Bob Dylan, pictured in a car in Philadelphia, 1964.Bob Dylan’s songs have seeped into the public consciousness during his remarkable career, which spans more than six decades and encompasses an extraordinary number of different musical styles and genres. But Dylan also expresses his creativity in other ways, and in the last […]
World famous musician and artist, Bob Dylan, pictured in 1966.Bob Dylan rose to prominence in the 1960s with songs which were both dazzlingly poetic and adept at capturing the mood of the budding counterculture. In a career spanning more than sixty years, Dylan has been a complex and controversial figure, both loved and hated by […]
Legendary musician and artist, Bob Dylan, backstage with his customary cigarette at the Montfort Hall in Leicester, 1965.Bob Dylan is best known for being one of – if not the – greatest singer-songwriter the world has ever seen, but he is also a talented visual artist. Much of Dylan’s artistic output explores similar themes and […]
Artist, Marc Chagall, painting his wife Bella in his Parisian workshop in 1926.Marc Chagall borrowed elements from numerous artistic movements, including Cubism, Fauvism, Expressionism, and Surrealism, but his work stubbornly refuses to be constrained by just one style. Instead, it pulsates with an imaginative vitality unique to Chagall, making him one of the most recognisable […]
Celebrated 20th century artist, Marc Chagall, at work.Marc Chagall rose from humble origins to become hugely successful, and he is now widely celebrated as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Never fully aligning himself with any one artistic movement, Chagall’s poetic vision and extraordinary use of colour captured imaginations around the […]
Tom Wesselmann, innovative artist loosely associated with Pop Art, pictured in his New York studio.American artist Tom Wesselmann is most famous for his sensual nudes and vivid still lifes; at once figurative and abstract, Wesselmann’s work developed a new visual vocabulary unique to the artist, which remains vibrant and relevant today. Wesselmann was a truly […]
In the magnificent history of Chinese porcelain, no colour speaks more eloquently of power and prestige than yellow. At its pinnacle stood the imperial yellow glaze – a luminous, egg-yolk shade that was the emperor’s exclusive preserve. The precise production of these pieces, achieved through complex firing processes, marked the supreme authority of the Son […]
The botanical world holds profound symbolic significance in Chinese art, with each plant and flower carrying layers of cultural meaning that transform porcelain decoration into sophisticated visual poetry. These natural motifs speak of human aspirations, virtuous qualities, and cosmic harmony – intricate details that can dramatically affect a piece’s historical significance and market value. From […]
The rich bestiary of Chinese porcelain decoration reveals a sophisticated symbolic language where real and mythical creatures intertwine to create powerful statements about authority, fortune, and cosmic harmony. These animal motifs, developed over centuries of artistic tradition, transform porcelain pieces into carriers of profound cultural meaning, each creature carefully chosen to convey specific wishes or […]
In the intricate world of Chinese decorative arts, few motifs capture the essence of traditional aspirations quite like the Eight Treasures (Babao 八宝). These emblems, deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese material culture, represent a sophisticated visual language that speaks of prosperity, harmony, and spiritual fulfillment. Their appearance on porcelain pieces transforms everyday objects […]
The rich tapestry of Chinese porcelain decoration reveals a profound connection between art and spirituality, most notably in the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Bajixiang 八吉祥). These sacred Buddhist motifs emerged during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), representing a cultural bridge between Tibetan Buddhism and Chinese decorative arts. Each symbol carries deep religious significance while contributing to the […]
For centuries, Chinese porcelain has served as more than just functional pottery – it has been a canvas for an intricate language of symbols that speak of hopes, beliefs, and cultural values. Each motif carefully painted onto these delicate surfaces carries layers of meaning, transforming everyday objects into powerful talismans of good fortune and bearers […]
The Kangxi period (1662-1722) represents one of the most celebrated golden ages in Chinese porcelain production. Under the watchful eye of China’s longest-reigning emperor, the imperial kilns at Jingdezhen achieved unprecedented levels of technical and artistic excellence, creating pieces that continue to captivate collectors worldwide. Yet beyond their obvious beauty, Kangxi porcelains hold fascinating secrets. […]
Chinese porcelain stands as one of humanity’s greatest artistic and technological achievements. For centuries, these remarkable pieces have captivated collectors, historians, and art enthusiasts worldwide. Yet despite its enduring fame, many fascinating aspects of Chinese porcelain remain relatively unknown to the general public. Whether you’re a serious collector or simply curious about that inherited vase […]
One of the most daunting aspects of Chinese porcelain identification is learning to recognise reign marks. While experts spend years mastering these distinctive stamps, there are some simple memory tricks that can help beginners spot the most common marks. Think of these as your first stepping stones into the fascinating world of Chinese ceramics. These […]
Chinese porcelain can be found everywhere from car boot sales to Christie’s auctions – but how much is your piece really worth? Whether you’ve inherited a collection or simply picked up an interesting vase at a charity shop, understanding where your porcelain sits in the market can be bewildering. Mark Littler Ltd has valued thousands […]
Chinese vases have long fascinated collectors, with prices at auction regularly reaching millions of pounds. Yet for many owners and enthusiasts, understanding what makes them valuable remains challenging. Whether you’ve inherited a piece or are building a collection, knowing these eight key factors is essential. In this guide, we examine the elements that determine value […]
Chinese porcelain has captivated collectors and art enthusiasts for centuries, with prices at auction regularly reaching millions of pounds. Yet for many, identifying different decoration styles can seem daunting. Whether you’ve inherited a family heirloom or are starting your collection journey, understanding these eight classic decoration techniques is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore […]
Andy Warhol was one of the most prominent figures in the Pop Art movement, and his innovative and daring pieces helped revolutionise the contemporary art world. Many of his works have now achieved iconic status, and Warhol is widely acknowledged to be one of the most important and sought-after artists of the 20th century. Warhol’s […]