So you like collecting antique, vintage and retro ceramics but are worried about crazing on your collectible ceramics? Crazing is a network of fine cracks in or under the glazing.  It can be caused by uneven changes to temperature across the surface of the object and can come about for example when the object is placed into very hot water. Freezing temperatures can also cause crazing and in time, if the object is left outside to endure winter temperatures (such as a very old jardinière), layers of the object can start lifting in what is called lamination. Don’t overly worry about the crazing — it is expected in aged objects that have been much loved and used.

In some pottery procedures, crazing is a desired effect and this is called crackling.  At The Hariet Emporium we have very old collectibles with little, if any, crazing and others with some. It doesn’t matter to us overly as we are using the items for decoration mostly and in particular to add to existing sets. These sets might get used on special occasions and then there are some rules to follow. With a retro, vintage and especially antique ceramics do not put them into the dishwasher! We have an Eternal Beau dinner set (Johnson Brothers) from the 1980s and slight crazing is happening on the dinner plates. After use at Christmas time the plates get hand washed in warm (but not scorching hot) sudsy water and then rinsed in the same temperature water and left to air dry. Try not to have the plates touching each other when they are drying as sudden bumps when they are warm can cause extra crazing and chips.

Another thing to check carefully is the location where you display your ceramics. We have a 1940s Royal Doulton Wistaria dinner set (see above), a much treasured heirloom that came with some crazing when we inherited it. However, a serving plate was placed near a vase of lavender and the deposition of small florets of lavender on to the plate transferred lavender oil into the crazing making it more obvious. A lesson learnt there.

If you are worried about eating from earthen ware that has crazing – then a sensible approach is required – check out this article¹

Hop over to our online store of retro, vintage and collectibles at The Hariet Emporium and enjoy looking at our variety of ceramics, Carlton Ware, glass, kitchenalia and books.

Have a Great Day ~ best wishes from the Hariets

¹ https://digitalfire.com/article/crazing+and+bacteria%3A+is+there+a+hazard%3F