The White Road

In "The White Road," acclaimed author and artist Edmund de Waal embarks on an intimate and profound exploration of porcelain, tracing its remarkable journey across continents and centuries. Part memoir, part meticulously researched history, and part global detective story, the book follows de Waal's lifelong obsession with this 'white gold.' He undertakes five transformative journeys, beginning in his London studio and leading him to the pivotal 'white hills' of China, Germany, and England—sites instrumental in porcelain's creation and refinement. As his quest expands, de Waal uncovers not just the aesthetic and technical evolution of ceramics, but also its intricate ties to power, wealth, art, and even the darkest chapters of twentieth-century history. The narrative masterfully interweaves personal reflection with broader cultural and historical narratives, revealing how porcelain became a global commodity, a symbol of purity, and a vessel for human desire, ultimately confronting the complex interplay between beauty and human experience.