Craquelure is a network of fine surface cracks in pottery glazes (but also in oil paintings, lacquer work and glass). It occurs as a result of a mismatch in the expansion due to heating of the ceramic body, the slip and the glaze. Craquelure is particularly often seen in faience and refined white earthenware and in most cases this is due to the advanced age of the piece. However, it is also sometimes used intentionally for its decorative effect (e.g. in traditional Korean and Chinese pottery or in 20th century studio pottery).
Translation Sandy Haemmerle
German: Craquelée (Krakelee)
French: Craquelée
