Understanding Cancer In Pottery and Porcelain: A Guide For Appraisers And Collectors
Cancer in pottery and porcelain, also known as pottery cancer or ceramics cancer, is a type of degradation affecting glazed and non-glazed ceramics. It is crucial to identify and understand this issue for anyone involved in the appraisal or collection of pottery and porcelain.
What is Cancer in Pottery And Porcelain?
Pottery and porcelain cancer refers to a form of deterioration that is caused by moisture. At high humidity, soluble salts present in the clay or glaze components may migrate to the surface of the ceramic object, where they crystallize. This process can lead to the flaking of the glaze or the surface of the ceramic, which often seen as pitting, iridescence, or a chalky white appearance.
What Causes Pottery And Porcelain Cancer?
The main cause of pottery cancer is excessive exposure to moisture, which may occur if the pottery or porcelain is kept in a damp environment or not stored properly. The problem tends to be more pronounced in pottery and porcelain items that have not been fired at high enough temperatures. Soluble salts naturally present in the clay or in the glaze can absorb moisture from the air, causing the salts to move to the surface where they crystallize as the water evaporates.
How To Identify Pottery And Porcelain Cancer?
Cancer in pottery and porcelain typically appears as a rough, corroded, or chalky surface where the normally smooth and shiny ceramic glaze should be. The affected area may take on a white or iridescent hue due to salt crystallization. The surface of the ceramic item may be heavily pitted and in severe cases, the glaze or even the body of the ceramic may begin to flake off.
How To Prevent Pottery And Porcelain Cancer?
The best way to prevent pottery and porcelain cancer is to control humidity. Ensure ceramic items are stored in an environment with low humidity or use desiccants to help maintain dry conditions. If an item is already affected, it would benefit from the attention of a professional conservator who can utilize specific techniques to halt the progress and potentially reverse some signs of this condition.
How Does Cancer In Pottery And Porcelain Affect Value?
Cancer in pottery and porcelain can significantly devalue the affected item. Not only does it affect the aesthetic quality of the piece, but in severe cases, it can lead to structural instability. Appraisers, therefore, have to account for this condition when assessing the value of a ceramic piece.
As an appraiser or a collector, understanding the potential serious effects of ceramic cancer allows you to ensure the preservation of these artefacts and maintains their value in the long run.