Checking is that hair thin, spider web pattern cracking that you sometimes see on the surface of old ceramics. It is in the glaze and not the pottery itself. Some people think it is attractive and like it, but most serious collectors will knock down the value of old ceramics that have it.
The checking covers the entire surface of the item. On front it is very light, and in my opinion, adds to the beauty of the object. Others may disagree. You may just be able to discern it in the close up shot of Franklin's head in the pictures. Sorry my camera won't focus any sharper at close range.