- Potteries
- Semi-porcelains
- Porcelains
- Urushi lacquerware
- Wooodenware
- Edo Kibashi Chopsticks
- Glass
- Ogatsu Stone Plate
- Tin crafts
- Brass crafts
- Iron Kettle
- Iron Teapot
- Washi paper
Care Instruction for Potteries
Pottery has been a cherished material for tableware in Japan for centuries. We hope you enjoy using these pieces daily and appreciate their character as they age beautifully over time.
[Before First Use]
Pottery is fired at very high temperatures, typically between 900 to 1,200°C. The clay used is relatively coarse and can absorb water or oils from food, which may lead to stains or odors over time. To minimize this, we recommend a preparatory process called medome (“filling” or “sealing”) in Japanese. This involves boiling the pottery in rice-washing water, helping to seal the surface by filling the clay particles and fine glaze cracks.
- Place the pottery in a large pot filled with rice-washing water, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
- Simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Let the pot cool completely, then remove the pottery, wash, and dry it thoroughly.
If this process isn’t possible, soak the pottery in plain water for a full day before first use.
[Before Each Use]
To prevent the absorption of water and oils, rinse the pottery with warm water before serving hot food, and with cold water for cold food. This helps the pottery maintain the ideal temperature for your dish.
Daily Care Instructions Use a soft sponge and neutral kitchen detergent to wash the pottery. Ensure it is completely dry before storing to avoid odors or mold.
[About Craze Patterns]
The crack-like pattern, known as kan-nyuu in Japanese, occurs due to the differing expansion rates between the glaze and clay. This is a natural feature of pottery and is unique to each piece, adding individual character.
[Stains and Odors]
Any stains will gradually fade over time. For odor removal, soak the piece in a sodium bicarbonate solution for a day, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
[IMPORTANT]
Please do not use in the microwave, dishwasher, or oven.
Care Instructions for Semi-Porcelain
Semi-porcelain combines the qualities of pottery clay and stone, fired at a high temperature around 1,200°C. Its absorbent properties add character over time, creating a beautiful aging effect.
[Before First Use]
Unlike traditional porcelain, semi-porcelain may absorb water or oils from food, which can lead to stains or odors. To minimize this, we recommend a preparatory process called medome (“filling” or “sealing”) in Japanese. This involves boiling the semi-porcelain in rice-washing water to fill the spaces between clay particles and seal any glaze cracks.
- Place the semi-porcelain in a large pot filled with rice-washing water, ensuring it is fully submerged.
- Simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Allow the pot to cool completely, then remove the semi-porcelain, wash, and dry it thoroughly.
If this process isn’t possible, soak the item in plain water for a full day before its first use.
[Before Each Use]
To prevent absorption of water and oils, rinse with warm water for hot foods and cold water for chilled foods. This helps preserve the pottery and maintains the intended food temperature.
[Daily Care]
Use a soft sponge and neutral kitchen detergent for washing. Ensure the item is fully dry before storing to prevent odors or mold.
[About Craze Patterns]
The crack-like pattern, known as kan-nyuu in Japanese, occurs naturally due to differing expansion rates between the glaze and clay. This unique feature varies with each piece, adding individual character.
[Stains and Odors]
Any stains will gradually fade over time. For odor removal, soak the piece in a sodium bicarbonate solution for a day, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
[IMPORTANT]
Do not use in a dishwasher or oven.
Semi-porcelain pieces without metallic decorations (such as gold or silver) are microwave safe.
Care instruction for porcelains
Porcelain that is made from pottery stone is baked in a very high temperature, such as 1,300 to 1,400 Deg C. Porcelain has almost no water absorption and is easy to take care.
【Prior to use for the first time】
Please wash with the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent at the first time before use.
【Prior to use every time】
In case you wish to serve the heated food, rinse with a warm water and for cold food, use cold water to rinse. It will help keeping the temperature of the food which it is supposed to be.
【Daily care instruction】
Use the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent for washing. Please make sure it is dried before putting back to cupboard in order to avoid odor or getting moldy.
【Explanation about craze】
This crack-like pattern is called “Kan-nyuu” in Japanese and appears due to the difference of the expansion rate between the glaze and the clay. This is not the defect but the unique pattern and this pattern is not identical. It varies depending on every single pieces.
【Stain】
When any of the stain such as a tea-stain occurs on a porcelain, please soak it in diluted bleach for a while. You can rinse the stain with water. However, Some porcelains that have color painting and metallic decoration such as silver or gold are safer to avoid using bleach.
【IMPORTANT】
Please do not use oven.
Porcelains that have no metallic decorations such as gold and silver are microwave safe and dishwasher safe.
Care instruction for Urushi lacquerware
Urushi lacquerware made by applying the sap tapped from lacquer trees is very durable does not require any special care for daily use.If you can use it in your daily life rather than keeping it for a long time, it will avoid drying and we think it will be good for urushi lacquerware. It can be said that it is the most suitable maintenance to use. Urushi lacquerware will have a beautiful luster and become tasteful after many years of use, and it becomes one of your favorite Urushi lacquerware. Please understand the correct care method and use it for many years.【Prior to use for the first time】
Newly-made Urushi lacquerware has a distinctive scent. If you would like to remove this scent from your urushi lacquerware, please take it out from the box, and place it in a well-ventilated place (not exposed to direct sunlight) in two weeks. You can remove the scent naturally.
If you would like to remove the scent quickly, please wipe it with a soft cloth soaked in vinegar and then wash it with lukewarm water.
【Daily care instruction】
Use the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent for washing. It is okay that you take care of your usual glass cups and pottery as if you were washing them. After washing, do not leave it for a long time. Gently wipe off the water with a towel. If you leave the water droplets behind, water stain contained in the tap water will remain, and in the case of dark urushi lacquerware, which ones will stand out.
[How to store]
Urushi lacquerware dislikes extreme dryness, humidity, and sudden temperature changes. Ultraviolet rays are not good for Urushi lacquerware, so store it out of direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated place. If you are concerned about scratches or impacts from other potteries or porcelains when storing them in layers, put a cloth or paper between Urushi lacquerwares.
[POINT]
Please avoid putting in hot things that have just boiled. Because the surface of lacquer may change color due to sudden temperature changes.
【IMPORTANT】
Do not use microwave, oven, dishwasher.
[Repair]
It may be possible to repaint or repair, so please consult with our shop.
※Repairs will be charged.
※Please note that repair may be difficult depending on the condition.
Care instruction for woodenware
Woodenware which is made by natural materials as it is, is feel the warmth and gentleness of wood on the dinner table.Please understand the correct care method and use woodenware for many years.
【Prior to use for the first time】
If you are concerned about the scent of paint such as lacquer or urethane, please take it out from the box, and place it in a well-ventilated place (not exposed to direct sunlight) in two weeks. You can remove the scent naturally.
【Daily care instruction】
Use the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent for washing. It is okay that you take care of your usual glass cups and pottery as if you were washing them. After washing, do not leave it for a long time. Gently wipe off the water with a towel. If you leave the water droplets behind, water stain contained in the tap water may remain and stand out.
[How to store]
Woodenware dislikes extreme dryness, humidity, and sudden temperature changes. Ultraviolet rays are not good for woodenware, so store it out of direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated place.If you are concerned about scratches or impacts from other potteries or porcelains when storing them in layers, put a cloth or paper between woodenwares.
[Point]
Please avoid putting in hot things that have just boiled. Because the surface of woodenware may change color due to sudden temperature changes.
【Oil maintenance】
If the surface looks dry, you can re-oil it. Apply it thinly with perilla or Flaxseed oil, let sit for a few minutes then wipe off the excess and air dry to restore the luster.
You can also use olive oil instead of perilla or Flaxseed oil.
【IMPORTANT】
Do not use microwave,oven,dishwasher.
Care instruction for Edo Kibashi Chopsticks
Edo kibashi chopsticks that use carefully selected high-grade wood has inherited the history and tradition of that.Edo kibashi chopsticks that make the best use of the original characteristics of wood continues to ambitiously develop designs and utility that is easy to pick up and has a good grip. These chopsticks can be repaired, so you could use them for your whole life.
【Daily care instruction】
Use the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent for washing. After washing, do not leave it for a long time. Gently wipe off the water with a towel. If you leave the water droplets behind, water stain contained in the tap water will remain.
【How to store】
Edo kibashi chopsticks dislike extreme dryness, humidity, and sudden temperature changes. Ultraviolet rays are not good for chopsticks, so store them out of direct sunlight and in a well-ventilated place.
【IMPORTANT】
Please dose not use dishwasher as it may cause warping.
【Repair】
Edo kibashi chopsticks are also available for repair.
We also accept re-shaving and lacquer repainting when the tip is broken.
Please feel free to contact us.
* Repair will be charged.
Care instruction for glass
The glass, which shines beautifully when light is passed through, is one of the most familiar materials for Japanese. If you take good care of the glass, you may use for many years.【Prior to use for the first time】
Please wash with the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent at the first time before use.
【Daily care instruction】
Use the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent for washing. Do not twist from inside when washing or wiping off as these may result in breaking the glass.
After washing, gently wipe off the water with a towel. If you leave the water droplets behind, water stain contained in the tap water will remain.
【How to store】
Please note that stacking hard objects such as pottery and porcelain on the glass may cause scratches.
【IMPORTANT】
The glass that is available at AMAHARE, is not heat-proof glass.
Please do not use microwave, dish washer or oven.
Care instruction for Ogatsu Stone Plate
Ogatsu stone plate is beautiful jet-black color as the black hair of a Japanese female.You can feel the stone natural texture and the quality of handmade craft.
【Prior to use for the first time】
Please wash with the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent at the first time before use.
【Daily care instruction】
Use the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent for washing.
After washing, gently wipe off the water with a towel. If you leave the water droplets behind, water stain contained in the tap water will remain.
【How to store】
Please note that stacking hard objects such as pottery and porcelain on the Ogatsu stone plate may cause scratches.
【IMPORTANT】
Please do not use microwave, dish washer or oven.
【Recommend】
If you put cold cuisine such as a dessert on a Ogatsu stone plate, please refrigerate the plate beforehand. You can enjoy the cuisine on it which can keep the cold.
Care instruction for tin crafts
Tin crafts available at AMAHARE are 100% pure.Tin is a type of metal, but 100% pure tin is very soft and can be bent by hand.
【Prior to use for the first time】
Please wash with the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent at the first time before use.
【Daily care instruction】
Use the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent for washing.
After washing, gently wipe off the water with a towel. If you leave the water droplets behind, water stain contained in the tap water will remain. Any abrasive materials or brushes should not be used as surfaces may be scratched.
【POINT】
Polish with pasty baking soda to restore the shine.
Do not put tin crafts near the fire as the melting point is low.
Refrain from storing in the refrigerator or in the freezer to avoid deterioration of the material.
【IMPORTANT】
Please do not use microwave, dish washer or oven.
Care instruction for Brass crafts
The brass has a bright polish at first, but the color gradually gets darker to show a distinctive patina over the course of many years due to oxidization. The natural darkening of the brass that occurs over time enhances the beauty of each piece.【Daily care instruction】
Use the soft sponge and a neutral kitchen detergent for washing.
After washing, gently wipe off the water with a towel. If you leave the water droplets behind, water stain contained in the tap water will remain.
【POINT】
The brass will develop a deep patina due to oxidation but the original shine can be restored by polishing with a brass cleaner.
Green rust may appear occasionally. Although green rust is not harmful, you may clean it off following the below instructions.
1.Mix vinegar and salt in equal parts.
2.Wet a cloth with 1. Then, rub the green rust with the cloth.
3.Wash the brass crafts with a dishwashing detergent, rinse it in a water, and wipe off excess water with a dry cloth.
【IMPORTANT】
Please do not use microwave, dish washer or oven.
Care instruction for Iron Kettle
The more frequent times you use, the more elegant looking iron kettle becomes, the more delicious hot water comes up. Please enjoy delicious hot water first before enjoy delicious tea.【Prior to use for the first time】
For a new iron kettle, you should take a pre-use time in order to clean the inner side.
At first, put some water into the iron kettle and boil it up for several minutes, then pour it out till empty. After repeat these procedures for three times, then you can use it.
【How to use】
When boiling, please put the water up to70% and leave a little space between the lid and body, because the hot water may overflow. And when you pour out the hot water, please touch the lid or handle using a piece of cloth or towel to protect your hands from heat.
If the lid slides off, it is very dangerous that hot steam will get on the hand holding the handle.
【Daily care instruction】
When water boil up, please remove the hot water into thermos or thermos flask, then dry the inside with the heat of the iron kettle itself. Do not remain water in the iron kettle. If not so, it is easy to become rust. The spout and lid are areas where rust is likely to occur. Please wipe with a dry cloth from time to time.
【POINT】
The inside of iron kettle is coated with an oxide film by a process called “KAMAYAKI”. Please do not use naked hand to touch the inner side.
【How to resolve rust】
Rust does not affect your body, so you can use it safely. However, please repeat that boil hot water and throw away several times If you find rust color is mixed in hot water. After the rust does not mix with the hot water, you can use it.
【IMPORTANT】
Please do not use microwave, dish washer or oven.
Iron kettle can be use for IH cooking heater, but never heat it without water.
It would cause that coating inside the kettle will come off.
Care instruction for Cast Iron Teapot
The most good point of cast iron teapot is to keep your tea warm. Please enjoy your tea time with hot delicious tea.【Prior to use for the first time】
Please wash inside of the teapot with hot water using the soft sponge at the first time before use.
【How to use】
when you pour tea into your cup, please hold the lid and avoid to slides off.
And we recommend to put a pot mat on while using the cast iron teapot.
【Daily care instruction】
Wash it with hot water and wipe off to remove stains.
Please keep it dry and in a well-ventilated place.
【POINT】
The inside of iron teapot is finished with an enamel interior.
Please do not use over direct heat. It would cause the damage or rust an enamel .
Handling Wataru Hatano's Washi Works
Wataru Hatano creates washi paper in the Kurotani region, known for its paper-making tradition, and produces art pieces and crafts using washi.The handcrafted items, such as trays and boxes, bring a sense of comfort to spaces where washi is present, offering a unique connection to the material. These works are finished to suit their intended use, but as they are made from natural materials, we kindly ask that you understand and appreciate the characteristics of washi when using them.
【Daily Care】
If moisture or dirt occurs, gently wipe it off with a dry cloth.
Please address any moisture promptly, as leaving it for extended periods may cause stains or damage.
【Storage】
To prevent mold or other damage, please store the items in a dry state when keeping them in a cupboard or for long-term storage.
【Aging】
Due to the nature of the material, you may notice some fraying on the surface or reduced water resistance over time.
While this is not a problem for continued use, we also offer re-coating services (for a fee). If you would like to have your item re-coated, please contact Amahare for assistance.