Definition:Crazing

Crazing is a network of fine surface cracks in the glaze of a ceramic or porcelain dog figurine, caused by differences in the expansion and contraction rates of the glaze and the underlying clay body — either during original cooling or as the piece ages. Crazing is extremely common in antique and vintage ceramics and is generally considered acceptable by collectors when it is original to the piece. The key distinction collectors make is between clean crazing (acceptable) and stained crazing, where dirt and grime have worked into the surface cracks and discolored the glaze. Stained crazing is difficult to remediate without professional conservation and significantly reduces a piece’s value. Crazing can be distinguished from true cracks by touch — crazing is not perceptible to the fingertip, while a crack can be felt.