General Care for Japanese Pottery

Before Your First Use: The Art of Seasoning

Taking a few moments to prepare your new vessel will help seal the natural pores of the clay, beautifully preserving its finish and ensuring it remains resistant to absorbing colours or aromas over time. For porous earthenware, simmer the piece in a pot of water used to wash rice (alternatively clean water) for 20 minutes. Let it cool naturally. Once cooled, rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before its first use.

Hand Wash

Dishwashers can chip delicate edges, and dull hand painted glazes. Always best to hand wash with a soft sponge.

Dry Thoroughly

Because pottery absorbs moisture, storing it while damp can lead to mould or musty odours. Let your pieces air-dry completely (up to 24 hours) before placing them in a cupboard, and never leave them soaking.

Avoid Temperature Shock

Avoid sudden shifts in temperature as they can cause damage.

Check the Foot

While the unglazed base (the foot) of your cup has been carefully smoothed by the artisans, you may occasionally feel a slight, earthy texture. If desired, a very gentle polish with fine sandpaper will ensure it sits perfectly soft against your table tops.

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Style-Specific Care instructions 

For style-specific care instructions please see the sections below.

Kohiki Ware

The Beauty of Crazing: You may notice fine, crackle-like lines on the surface. These are not cracks but a natural result of the glaze cooling. They will darken over time as they absorb tea or coffee, forming a celebrated part of the object's history.

Pre-Soak Before Use: To minimize dramatic staining, dip the vessel in clean water for a few moments before serving food or drink. This "fills" the pores with clean water so pigments cannot penetrate as deeply.

Spots Appearing: When wet, Kohiki may develop dark spots or appear slightly translucent. Do not panic; this is the water moving through the clay. These spots will disappear once the piece is fully dry.

Bizen Ware

Before Your First Use: Upon purchase, we recommend a gentle boil before first use. First, wash thoroughly with water, then place the piece in a pot of clean water and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Keep the heat low and do not let the water boil violently, as pieces clashing together in the pot can cause damage. After turning off the heat, allow to cool completely before removing. Wash thoroughly with warm water before its first use.

Maturation: Bizen ware is a living object. The more you use it, the smoother and more lustrous it becomes. The oils from your hands and the foods or drinks served will develop a deep, natural patina with time. This way of nurturing the pottery over a long period of time earned it the "lifelong companion" title.

Breathability: Bizen ware is slightly porous, and breathes. It is famous for making beer foam creamier, coffee tastier, and keeping water fresh for longer.

Microwave and Dishwasher: While it is incredibly durable for everyday use, they are not microwave or dishwasher safe.

Obori Soma Ware

Before Your First Use: To protect the delicate celadon crackle, submerge the piece in rice (or plain) water and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes. Let it cool in the pot.

Ongoing Care & Occasional Refreshing With standard washing and thorough drying after each use, your cup will naturally maintain its pristine condition. However, if it ever needs a deeper refresh:

• To Lift Aromas: If you notice your cup holding onto the faint scent of a strong brew, simply simmering it in clean boiling water for about 10 minutes is usually all it takes to restore its natural neutrality.
• To Brighten: Should tea tannins or natural use leave persistent marks over time, you can try a brief soak in a highly diluted, mild kitchen bleach. (Note: To protect the vibrant artistry of the piece, please refrain from using bleach if your cup features gold leaf or any painted overglaze decorations, as this may cause damage).

Kyo and Kiyomizu Ware

Before Your First Use: To protect the delicate ceramics, submerge the piece in rice (or plain) water and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Let it cool in the pot.

Washing and Storage: Always hand wash, and allow to dry completely before storing away.

Soft Touch: Use only the soft side of a sponge. Abrasive scourers or chemicals will damage the delicate hand painted artwork.

Microwave and Dishwasher: Due to their delicate nature, they are not microwave or dishwasher safe.

Kutani Ware

No Harsh Chemical: Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or heavy bleaching. The vivid overglaze enamels sit on top of the glaze and can be dulled by aggressive chemicals.

Otherwise please follow the general care guide.

Kinsai and Ginsai (Gold and Silver Leaf)

No Microwave: Never put these in the microwave, as the metal may spark, and the item may be damaged.

Otherwise please follow the general care guide.