Expert: Sam Kelly - 3/10/2009

Question
I recently purchased dish ware pottery, made in Italy, from a chain store in
Arizona.  It claims to be dishwasher safe and microwave warming. I have noticed
the glaze is getting a multitude of very thin cracks.  Also noticed that a very
fine white powder leaches out of the cracks. ??? I feel very certain that this
is not healthy.  What do you think?

Answer
Hi Phyllis, totally unhealthy it is. The clay body itself is absorbing moisture and causing it to expand, thus putting strain on the glaze and causing the cracks, called 'crazing'.

Google the Italian maker and see what comes up, chances are thier pots are made in China or somewhere under licience.

Find a good studio potter in your area and take the pot along with you, they will be able top make a similar one for you that is reliable.

Sam