I was just browsing in clayart postings, have not actually subscribed though. This interested me
Dear Claudia - This is a very common misconception, and it is important to try to correct it. Crazed glazes do not trap bacteria, and this is not a hygene issue. For the last few millenia people have been eating off crazed dinnerware, both highfire and earthenware, with no record of anyone being sickened by bacteria trapped in the crazing. Crazing weakens the piece, especially in highfire wares, and therefore is considered a flaw in the commercial china industry. But then again, in some cases they use "crackle glazes" (glazes designed to craze) on purpose for effect, since antique pottery (especially earthenware) is often crazed, and thus many people associate crazing with a patina of long use and great age in ceramics. Best wishes -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Now while Vince has a point, I think the original person has a point too. I do think it is about food safety, but not because the crazing collects bacteria, but because it is a sign that it is not a good glaze. Whats more if for instance it is a clear glaze over decoration the toxic oxides could leach into food. What I find more disturbing however is food vessels glazed where it looks unsafe. For instance where it is a green glaze and there are black pools of copper oxide in the bottom of bowls. How seriously do you all take the issue of food safety? annemarie