China Figurines Query re fracturing of untouched Elaine

by Loretta
(USA)

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China Figurines Query re fracturing of untouched Elaine

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Dear Loretta,

Thanks for your recent inquiry about the fracturing your "Elaine" china figurine, by Royal Doulton.

I am sorry to hear that you have a problem with her. She is one of the lovely china figurines modelled by the great Peggy Davis, I think in the 1980's.

The problem that you describe sounds like "Crazing" to me. This is where the glaze is not quite right for the china body underneath. When pottery is fired to high temperatures, the piece shrinks by about 15%. This is normal.

The china is not 'drying out' This is not at all accurate as a description. China is fired to about 1280 degrees centigrade. This forces all the moisture out of the clay and changes it permanently into a 'ceramic body'. It is 'vitreous' which means that it will not absorb water (and has no water in it to 'dry out')

Ceramic pieces can be buried in the ground for centuries and come out hardly affected if they are made properly. Your problem is something else.

The problem you describe seems to be when the glaze doesn't shrink exactly the same as the clay underneath during the original firing. Ceramicists say that the "fit" isn't right. If the glaze that wants to shrink more than the clay, it will be under strain. It is like struggling to wear an overcoat that is several sizes too small. You can imagine the seams comming apart!

This condition that you describe often is accompanied by little tinkling sounds every so often. This is called 'pinging' and is the sound of another crack appearing.

When the piece is first fired, it is impossible to detect anything wrong. Over time, however, it begins to show itself - particularly if the piece goes from cold to hot conditions.

It can be quite mild and is often seen on old ceramics. If the 'fit' is particularly bad, the piece can actually crack into pieces. It often affects items such as teapots where hot water is poured into it to give a thermal shock. I have seen teapots fall into 2 halves in severe cases.

For your figurine, I would be surprised if it gets anything like as bad as that. It is possible though. The problem is that if there is a 'fit' problem, there is no way of stopping it. After 15 - 20 years, it would be hard to ask for a refund. I hope that your Elaine does not suffer too badly. The best to hope for is that she seems to grow old gracefully.

I am sorry to not be able to help any further, but hope that my reply helps you to understand the problem a bit more.

Best regards

Tony Young
Design Director
The Figurine Collective

I have a Royal Doulton figurine (large size) titled "Elaine". I have probably had this figurine for 15 -20 years. She sits in a curio with other fine collectibles. I recently noticed that she was filled with hairline fractures and is about to collapse. This same problem occured with a RD floral and a dog from one of their collections (which were in different locations). I was told that porcelain can dry out and this can happen. Seems like a poor answer to me. These pieces are very expensive and meant to be passed down. Pieces are not handled and gently dusted. I sent photos to RD, but have not heard back from them. Can you share any information about this happening?

Thank you in advance for your attention.