Handling

Ceramics, especially matcha bowls

The ceramics, primarily tea bowls, that we carry in our store should be handled with more care than general tableware and pottery.
The ceramics created by the artists with great care are characterized by their practicality as tools, particularly for the tea ceremony, and the artistic quality that the works themselves exude.
Some of the pieces require careful consideration in terms of their practicality.
However, that is what makes it such a joy to own.
Also, by using it for a long time, it will develop an indescribable flavor and you will be able to enjoy the changing scenery.
Please be sure to understand the precautions for handling listed below and enjoy your precious piece of art.
(In our store, artists refer to their own ceramics as "artworks," so we sometimes refer to the items by that name.)
Regarding the term "tea bowl," some pieces are labeled "tea bowl" out of respect for the artist's wishes.

About tea ceremony tools (pottery)

The surfaces of tea bowls and other items are glazed, but some pieces have crazing or tiny holes. Also, there are some parts of the bottom and foot of the tea bowl that are not glazed, which is intentional on the part of the artist and adds to the charm of the piece.
With careful handling and continued proper maintenance, your piece will become an even more unique tea bowl.
*About crazing : "Crazing" refers to the crack-like patterns that appear when fired pottery is removed from the kiln and allowed to cool. It does not mean that the pottery itself is cracked; it is a phenomenon that occurs due to the difference in the degree of shrinkage between the pottery base and glaze.

First time using

When you buy a new tea bowl, you should blanch it in boiling water before using it.
After rinsing the surface of the tea bowl with water, place it in a pot, add enough water to cover it, and boil for about 30 minutes. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool naturally.
Boiling over high heat can cause the bowls to move around in the pot and get scratched or broken, so keep the heat to medium.
Once the water has cooled, remove the tea bowl and wipe it with a soft cloth. Allow it to dry thoroughly for at least five days before storing it.

Clean and dry your tea utensils before putting them away.

We recommend washing the tea bowl and tea whisk with water or lukewarm water.
If the bowl has a rough surface, dirt may get into the gaps in the material, so be sure to use your fingers or a soft sponge to remove any dirt.

How to store tea utensils

Be sure to dry tea bowls thoroughly before putting them away, as they can become moldy.
When storing tea utensils, choose a place that is not humid and is well ventilated.
If you have the original box, wrap it in the original fabric (the fabric used to wrap the included piece) and store it carefully with the base facing down.
When storing matcha bowls, always place them with the base facing down.
If you plan to use it frequently, you don't necessarily need to put it in a box, but it's important to store it in a stable place to prevent it from being dropped or broken.