It is important to note that color is not just important or not for primary 
context or creating links to manufacturers but is most likely important for 
site formation as the perception of color will most likely influence 
secondary deposit structure or curation/redistribution (clean up) etc.....I 
would think there would be many applications at different stages of 
interpretation.

What color sherds would the color blind person not see against a set 
background and not clean up?....and so on and on....

Conrad Bladey

-----Original Message----- 
From: Robert Hunter
Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2012 11:12 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Colorimeters and Spectrophotometers on Ceramics

Hi John


If you are simply interested in the range of glaze color in the British 
refined earthenwares from circa 1770 - 1830 or so, you are more than welcome 
to visit sometime and I can give you a two-hour overview of the variables 
related to that issue before you begin your colorimeter recordings.  While 
George has spent many years researching that period, I have spent almost the 
same amount of time documenting extant China glaze examples from this long 
period of time to better understand the evolution of the decoration, 
identify manufacturers, and understand stylistic changes.


Beyond our articles which George has given the references, the new books by 
Lois Roberts are essential to anyone who is interested in the evolution of 
China glaze.  Science and machines have their place in analysis...certainly 
no one uses XRF and other techniques more than I do for ceramic research 
issues...but  the basic techniques of connoisseurship-the experience that 
comes from hands-on observations also have a place.  Sadly, these more 
intuitive approach are  rarely included in today's archaeological curricula.


Some snaphots of these "snowflakes" (that is, no two alike) may be of some 
use:


http://ceramicsinamerica.blogspot.com/2012/02/color-variation-in-british-china-glaze.html


Please note these selected examples represent approximately 50 years of 
British ceramic production, numerous manufactures and every example pictured 
(there are many, many more) has a slightly different color.


Rob