Judith Enright on sun 31 may 98
Having followed the thread for the past week re the marketing of
'crackle-ware' by big retailers, and especially in light of yesterday's
post re the U.S.'s requirements that ware be free of certain ingredients
(lead) and crazing, I have to wonder how presumably "unapproved" ware gets
into the retail marketplace to begin with. If the safeguards exist, how
are they enforced? I, too, have seen badly crazed majolica and celadon
being sold at a local upscale foodmarket and there are no disclaimers
posted with the display other than 'lead-free'. If the retailer contracts
directly with the pottery (in Italy or Mexico or wherever), are the
safeguards observed more readily than if the retailer just purchases a
ready-made lot as a one-time deal? Are the buyers even aware of the
potential dangers or are they merely searching for anything that will
appeal and thus sell? I know that some retail buyers are specialists, but
what about those who aren't, who are responsible for buying items that fit
under the broad category of "housewares"?
Another question I've got has to do with the manner in which commercial
dinnerware (like Makasa) is mass-produced. About all I know (I think?!) is
that some manufacturers bisque their ware at a high temperature, followed
by a lower temperature glost firing. I imagine the forms themselves are
jiggered? How are the patterns manufactured and applied to ensure
repeatability?
Comments/thoughts welcome...
Be well,
Judith Enright @ Black Leopard Clayware
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