Expert: Leisha Hiester - 1/13/2010

Question
I am not familiar with ceramics, stoneware and the like so please excuse a possible dumb question.

I have a beautiful Chinese Provincial ginger jar lamp that I've owned for 35+ years.  It has very fine hairline cracks in it (it may be the glaze!) and I would like to strengthen it if possible to prevent a large crack.

Are there lamp artisans that provide that service?  Can I "epoxy" the inner wall to accomplish that on my own?

Answer
Dear Gene,

No question is ever dumb!

If your piece is Chinese, you're right it is probably the glaze. It is a common Asian glaze called a "crackle" glaze. It is intended to appear crackled and there is no danger in lack of strength to the piece.

Do you have a picture of the piece you can send? I could tell right away by the cracks if they are indeed intentional. If they are not, I could direct you to someone locally who can be of more help with repairs.

:) Leisha