Alterations and accidents are classified according to their origin. It will determine the choice of the level of restoration

Defects of origin

The defects of origin are never restored because they belong to the history of the piece

The removal is an enamel defect before firing. When the enamel is put on a dusty or greasy raw paste, it removes and creates lacks.

The crackling refers to the cracks on the surface of the earthenware. It’s the result of the contraction of the enamel during the cooling.

The flaking generally affects (impacts) the edges and angles.

Alterations

Alterations can be restored according to the cases

Staples are systematically removed, otherwise the rust will go on damaging the piece.

For the other alterations, the study of the general state determines the choice and degree of the restoration.

The disappearance or the wear of the decor is frequent in antics.

The gilding is particularly fragile because it is put last on the enamel and receives few firings.

Accidents

In all those cases, illusionist restoration will be preferred

Cracks are also called hair.

The cracks have to be quickly treated, otherwise, they will become splits.

The splits due to shocks, falls or any other accidents are clear.

Lacks are disappearance of matter: handles, tops, etc

Sculptures lose frequently their fingers, hands, feet, heads or other more fragile details: lace, little flowers, leaves, etc

Old restorations

All old restorations have to be completely undone before any intervention

Staples are taken away to avoid rust, except for copper staples which are so rare and so precious that we keep then.

Old glues and varnishes become yellow and often flake. Solvants are used to desolve them.

Old restorations are often not suitable, as we can see on this pot of Porcelaine de Paris. It needs to be done restored again.