How to care Kutani ware
There are two types of Kutani ware works: porcelain and pottery.
Porcelain is made from a fine-grained white clay called kaolin, with added ingredients such as feldspar and fine bone ash. It has the property of being thinner, but stronger and more durable.
Pottery, on the other hand, is made from natural clay and fired at temperatures between 900~1200 degrees Celsius. The composition of the clay, its position in the kiln, the season of firing, and the weather are all intricately intertwined.
Unlike industrial products, each piece is different in color and size, and therefore, the pieces are never exactly the same.
Our potteries are made to be used in daily life, so there is no need to be overly sensitive, but here are some tips on how to take care of your favorite dishes so that you can use them for a long time.
Beginning of Use
Soil is characterized by its coarse texture and high water absorbency; therefore, it gradually absorbs soy sauce, water and oil from food. To alleviate this problem, you can use "glaze" before using it for the first time.
Medome, or filling, is a process of boiling the pot with rice water (or water with either flour or potato starch dissolved in it), preventing the penetrating of the glaze and clogging up the gaps between the particles of the clay, which can cause stains and odors.
1. Put the tableware and water with enough rice water (or dissolved flour or potato starch) to cover the entire tableware in the pot.
2. Boil over low heat for 15-20 minutes (adjust the heat so large bubbles do not appear).
3. Turn off the heat and let it cool slowly together with the pot.
4. Wash the tableware well.
5. Dry thoroughly.
Each Use
Adding an extra touch before serving will make your food taste better.
To serve hot food, dip the dish in lukewarm water; to serve cold food, dip it in cold water.
This will keep the food warm and prevent soy sauce and oil from penetrating the food.
Care
You can use a soft sponge and a mild detergent to clean the dish. It is important to wash gently with a soft sponge or cloth.
You can use a dishwasher, but we recommend hand washing as much as possible for some items, such as those made of gold and silver, which tend to peel off after a long period of use.
Please dry them thoroughly before storing them in the cupboard for a long period of time. Leaving it moist can cause mold and/or musty odor.
About Penetration
Small cracks in the glaze are caused by the difference in expansion rate between the base material and the glaze. Please enjoy this unique ceramic landscape.
In Case of Stains or Odors
As the tableware is used, some tea stains may appear on the surface.
If it bothers you, soak the tableware in baking soda water for half to a full day and let it dry to remove the smell.
Avoid using bleach as it may corrode the tableware.
Microwave & Oven
Do not use products made of gold or silver in the microwave or oven. Sparks may fly off and cause the surface to become dirty or damaged.
Please be careful with thin teacups and teacups, as their surfaces can heat up easily.
Please refrain from directly exposing products made of multiple materials (e.g. ceramic and metal, glass, etc.) directly on fire or using them in microwave, ovens or dish dryers, as it may cause failure of the glued surface.
Vases, Ornaments, and Figurines
Out of respect for the aesthetics, paints with good coloration may be used - please do not use them as tableware.
To preserve gold and silver ornaments, wipe them lightly with a soft cloth and remove any stains before storing them in order to preserve the colors longer.
Lastly...
Pottery may seem a bit labor intensive.
However, the more work put in, the more you will enjoy the changes over time, and you will start to feel the tableware like your child.
You don't have to overthink about it, but with just a little care, daily meals can be tastier and daily lives can be more enriched. Please enjoy your favorite pottery for many years to come.
