Handling
About ceramics, mainly matcha bowls The ceramics, including tea bowls, that we handle in our shop require more delicate handling than general tableware. The works that our artists have created with their whole heart and soul have great appeal in that they are practical as tea utensils and have an artistic quality that exudes from the work itself.
Some pieces require careful attention for practical use, but this is what makes them a joy to own. Also, the unique texture of ceramics increases over time, and you can enjoy the changes that occur, known as "keshiki." This is one of the joys of ceramics.
We have listed precautions for handling the product below. We hope you will understand them and use your precious creations for a long time to come.
(Note) In our shop, we refer to our ceramics as "works" because artists often refer to their own ceramics as "works." In addition, we respect the artist's wishes when describing a tea bowl, and in some cases we may write it as a "tea bowl."
About tea ceremony tools (pottery)
The surface of tea bowls and other items is generally glazed, but some pieces may have crazing or tiny holes. In some cases, the base of the bowl is left unglazed to give the piece its individuality. These are the artist's intentions, and can be enjoyed as part of the piece's character.
With proper care and careful handling, the piece you purchase will grow into a one-of-a-kind "your tea bowl ."
What is Crazing? Crazing is the fine cracks that appear on the glaze surface during the cooling process after firing. This is a natural phenomenon caused by the difference in shrinkage rate between the base and the glaze, and does not mean that the pottery itself is cracked.
When using for the first time, we recommend that you blanch your new tea bowl before using it.
- Lightly rinse the teacup with water.
- Put enough water in a pot to cover the bowls, heat over medium heat until it begins to boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes just before serving.
(Avoid high heat and be careful not to move the tea bowl.) - Turn off the heat and allow to cool naturally, then remove and wipe with a soft cloth.
- Allow to dry thoroughly for at least 5 days before storing.
Tea utensils should be washed and dried before being put away.
The basic rule for washing tea bowls and tea whisks is to use cold or lukewarm water. If the surface of the tea bowl is rough, thoroughly remove any dirt using your fingers or a soft sponge. Take care to clean the bowl carefully so that dirt does not get into the gaps in the ceramic.
Storage Method
Be sure to dry your tea bowls thoroughly before storing them. Humidity can cause mold. Store them in a well-ventilated place, and if they come with a box, wrap them in the same fabric and store them with the base facing down.
If you use it frequently, you don't necessarily need to put it back in the box, but it's important to store it in a stable place to prevent it from falling or being damaged.
We hope that by keeping the above points in mind, you will be able to enjoy using our products for a long time to come.