JANE Gardiner gave a fascinating talk on flora and fauna in ceramic art.

She began with a statuette of a Tang dynasty horse, and explained why such animals were grave goods.

The Chinese believed the soul divided into two.

One part entered the spirit world but the other part remained in the tomb and needed the comfort of everyday artefacts and luxuries.

She explained how difficult it was to sculpt a freestanding animal so perfectly balanced that the four legs formed the only support; and spoke of the various metallic oxide glazes used.

She held the audience rapt as an array of earthenware and porcelain beasts and birds through the ages were shown, some beautiful, others grotesque; and their manufacture and social relevance enlarged upon.

A swan tureen nesting on a leaf platter, and birds on a leafy tree stump introduced the flora part of the talk.

The flowers ranged from the extravagant Sevres porcelain flowers with metal stems made for Madame de Pompadour, to the tiny painted ladybirds and flowers on some English porcelain, a decorative device to disguise firing faults.

The next talk, called Meet me at the Waldorf, will be held at the Salvation Army Hall, Salt Lane, Salisbury on Tuesday, November 11, starting promptly at 11am. Coffee is available beforehand.

Visitors are welcome, entrance costs £7.