Care Guide

Natural Variations

Each piece of ceramic is unique, showing different expressions due to the texture of the clay, the flow of the glaze, and the natural variations that occur during firing in the kiln. This page explains these characteristics. You can also check the icons in the product details section on our webstore for information about the material features.

Color Shade Variations

Each piece has individual color shade variations. Affected by glazes and natural firing conditions such as changes in temperature, humidity and other climate elements and also how to receive the fire in the kiln chamber, each piece has own expression. It is really difficult to make the completed ware exactly same in color by firing and glazing even when the same materials are used. 100 pieces show 100 kinds of expressions, as it were.
Color Irregularities

There are color irregularities of applying a glaze or slip, which are different from part to part in a piece of ware. For example, some parts are glazed thinly or thickly depending on the shape of the ware. That leads to part-to-part subtle differences in appearance of the clay in a piece of ware.
Crazing(Chaps)

Crazing (having chaps) may appear clearly on the glazed part. The “direct” crazing means having chaps originally. The “aging” crazing means having chaps over time as you use the tableware item. There is a difference between the shrinkage rate of the glaze and that of the clay, so crazing occurs. Note that those cracks do not come from the damage of tableware items. They might appear just before use, but it is no problem in terms of use. They appear on the surface of pottery (earthenware) and semi-porcelain.
Pinholes

Pinholes may be seen clearly on the surface. Pottery (earthenware) is mainly made from earth, and green ware contains a lot of air while biscuit firing. While glazed firing, this air inside the biscuit ware becomes air bubbles, which remain and look like small holes on the surface of the glazed part. Those small holes are called pinholes.
Iron in Powder

Iron in powder may be seen clearly on the surface. Pottery (earthenware) is made from earth, which contains iron. After firing green ware, iron appears on the surface in the form of black dots. Red or black earthen clay contains much more iron, and as a result, not a little iron in powder may appear on the surface of tableware items made from this type of clay.
Light Pink Marks

Light pink marks may appear on the surface of tableware items. They appear when a component of the base clay becomes oxidized and then develops a color while fired. Interestingly, each tableware item has the “one of a kind” pattern of light pink marks because they appear depending on a variety of mixed conditions such as components of the base clay, glazes and firing settings, etc. You can enjoy the unique distinctiveness that adds to your own tableware item.
Glaze or Slip Drips

The glaze or slip may look like dripping. There is unevenness of a glaze or slip when they are applied to ware by hand. There also appear glaze drips or slip drips, which are caused by the glaze or slip flows during firing.
Rough Clay

The surface may be rough due to the use of rough or coarse clay.
Fine Lines in the Decorative Coating

Items with a decorative coating are very delicate, and depending on the shape, fine lines that look like cracks may appear on the surface. However, since the exterior is fully glazed, there is no problem in daily use. These lines are part of the unique character of the finish.
Kairagi

This refers to areas where the glaze has not completely melted during firing, creating a textured, grainy surface that looks like shark skin. It often appears on pieces with a white slip coating (kohiki). The way it appears varies from piece to piece, giving each item a unique and interesting character.
Iridescent Glaze/Bronze Glaze

Because this glaze contains a high amount of metal and mineral components, the final look varies with the way the flame reaches the piece in the kiln, the firing temperature, and the shape of the item. Due to the high metal content, please do not use these items in the oven or microwave. In addition, the surface may change color if it comes into contact with acids found in certain foods or ingredients.
Silver decoration glaze(Ginsai)

The surface of this piece is finished with pure silver. To ensure long-lasting use, please take note of the following care instructions:
・Do not use in the oven, microwave, or dishwasher.
・Avoid serving vinegar or highly acidic foods, as they may cause discoloration that cannot be restored.
Because high-purity silver is used, the surface will gradually change color over time—from silver to yellow, then to brown, and eventually to black. This is due to a natural process called “sulfidation,” in which silver reacts with sulfur gases in the air, forming a thin film of silver sulfide. It may also darken when in contact with sulfur-rich foods such as eggs or onions. This discoloration is harmless and does not affect the safe use of the piece.