Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for controlling the surface of ceramic tableware products/ceramic crockery items (and the like, in accordance with the general definition provided in the introduction). The invention is characterised in that it consists, with a single equipment, in: A) providing a global diffuse illumination for the whole or for zones of the products; B) observing the product, with one or more observation means, by reflection on the latter, towards the observation means, of the global diffuse illumination or localised diffuse illumination coming from at least one light-emitting zone adapted to provide brightness on at least a selected portion of the product. The invention enables to highlight and locate, with one single apparatus, all types of defects, in accordance with multi-purpose and efficient processes even concerning sensitive aspects such as complex shape conjunction, brightness, white dots on white background, which was not possible in prior art.