shatein

Shatein refers to a phenomenon observed in some forms of traditional Japanese pottery, particularly in Raku ware. It describes a specific type of crackle that appears on the glazed surface of a ceramic piece. Unlike a uniform crackle pattern, shatein cracks are characterized by their irregular, often jagged, and sometimes branching appearance. The term itself is derived from Japanese words that evoke a sense of "splintering" or "fragmentation."

The formation of shatein is influenced by several factors during the firing and cooling processes. Rapid cooling of the pottery, especially after the glaze has been fired to its maturation point, can cause the glaze to contract at a different rate than the underlying clay body. This differential contraction puts stress on the glaze layer, leading to the development of cracks. The specific composition of the glaze, its thickness, and the temperature at which it is fired also play significant roles in determining whether shatein will occur and its visual characteristics.

Potters sometimes intentionally induce shatein as an aesthetic choice, valuing the unique texture and visual depth it adds to the ceramic surface. The unpredictable nature of shatein means that each piece with this characteristic is one-of-a-kind. It is considered a desirable imperfection by some collectors and admirers of traditional Japanese ceramics, contributing to the handmade and organic quality of the artwork.