krakeleret

Krakeleret (Danish for crackled) describes a surface marked by a fine network of cracks, commonly seen in glazes on ceramics or in dried paint and varnish. In English, the term craquelé or craquelure is used.

Causes: Craquelure develops when coatings shrink or stress differently from the substrate, or as materials age and stress accumulates. In ceramics, glaze crackling occurs as the glaze contracts during cooling or when a thermal expansion mismatch with the clay body exists. Environmental changes such as humidity and temperature shifts can worsen cracks.

Occurrence and types: Crackled glaze is common in pottery and porcelain. In painting or furniture finishes, craquelure appears in varnishes or top coats and can be intentional for antique looks or to suggest age. Some artists and restorers cultivate controlled craquelure to create texture.

Techniques: Intentional craquelure is produced by using a glaze formulated to craze, or by applying a top layer that cracks during drying or cooling. Contrasting underlayers or colors can highlight the cracks. In conservation, craquelure is studied to understand age and materials.

History and culture: Craquelure occurs worldwide; crackled glazes have long been valued in various ceramic traditions for texture and complexity. In East Asian ceramics, crackled glazes are a notable feature, while in European ceramics crackle finishes became popular as decorative effects in later centuries.

Care and handling: Surfaces with craquelure are fragile; cleaning should be gentle, avoiding harsh solvents, and damaged areas may require stabilization, especially on historic pieces.