The last decade of the 20th century has revealed a remarkable diversity of techniques being used to treat the ceramic surface. In this book, Matthias Ostermann primarily looks at the ceramic surface in the context of the vessel and platter that includes the non-functional, the metaphoric, the narrative and even the sculptural. In this he attempts to give a broad overview of contemporary techniques and approaches, covering as many making and firing procedures as possible, and focussing on the works of about 200 ceramicists from around the world. The forward discusses some of the decorative trends in ceramic production preceding the 20th century and gives an analysis of post-war ceramic aesthetic growth in Europe and North America. The book is divided into ten chapters covering specific areas of methodology and encompassing a wide variety of techniques for making, decorating and firing, whilst also covering the full spectrum of clays and firing temperatures. Each artist's image is accompanied by technical information, as well as a statement of inspiration and motivation, to give insight into the concept of each piece.