- Pottery (Toki)
- Porcelain (Jiki)
- Lacquerware (Shikki)
- Wood Products
- Edo Kibashi (Chopsticks)
- Glassware
Caring for Pottery (Toki)
Pottery is a quintessential material in Japanese tableware with a long, storied history.
We hope you enjoy "nurturing" your vessel through daily use, allowing it to become a cherished part of your life for years to come.
［ Before First Use: "Medome" (Seasoning) ］
Pottery is fired at temperatures between 900°C and 1200°C.
Due to the coarse nature of the clay, it is highly absorbent. If used as-is, it may absorb stains from soy sauce, oils, or food moisture.
We recommend a process called "Medome" (seasoning) before its first use.
By simmering the piece in the starchy water left over from washing rice, the fine particles fill the pores of the clay and the "Kannyu" (fine surface crazing—natural cracks in the glaze, not defects). This creates a protective barrier against stains and odors.
① Place the vessel in a pot with enough rice water to submerge it completely.
② Simmer over low heat for about 15–20 minutes.
③ Allow it to cool in the pot, then wash thoroughly and let it dry completely.
If "Medome" is difficult, please soak the piece in clean water for half a day to a full day, then wipe dry before its first use.
［ Before Every Use ］
Before serving, rinse the vessel in lukewarm water for warm dishes, or cold water for chilled dishes.
This prevents stains from seeping in and helps maintain the ideal temperature of your food, keeping warm dishes warm and cold dishes refreshing.
With each use, the texture will become more supple, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful "aging" (Keshiki) of the piece over time.
［ Daily Care ］
Wash gently with a soft sponge and mild dish soap.
Storing the vessel while it still holds moisture can lead to mold or odors, so please ensure it is dried well.
［ Storage ］
When storing in a cupboard for an extended period, make sure the piece is completely dry before putting it away.
［ About "Kannyu" (Crazing) ］
"Kannyu" refers to the fine network of cracks that appear in the glaze due to the different expansion rates between the clay and the glaze.
In Japan, these are not considered flaws but are appreciated as a unique "scenery" (Keshiki) of the pottery.
［ Removing Stains and Odors ］
Tea stains may naturally appear over time, blending into the character of the vessel. If odors become a concern, soak the piece in a solution of baking soda and water for half a day to a day, then dry thoroughly.
［ Microwave, Dishwasher, and Oven ］
Please do not use in the microwave, dishwasher, or oven.
Caring for Porcelain (Jiki)
Porcelain is made from crushed pottery stone and fired at high temperatures between 1300°C and 1400°C.
It is non-porous, highly durable, and very easy to handle for daily use.
［ Before First Use ］
Wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap before its first use.
［ Before Every Use ］
Rinsing the vessel in lukewarm or cold water before serving helps maintain the temperature of your food, enhancing the dining experience.
［ Daily Care ］
Wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap.
Always ensure the piece is dry before storing to prevent any unwanted odors.
［ Storage ］
For long-term storage, ensure the vessel is completely dry before placing it in the cupboard.
［ About "Kannyu" (Crazing) ］
While rarer than in pottery, fine cracks in the glaze (Kannyu) may appear. These are a natural characteristic of the firing process and can be enjoyed as a unique feature of the piece.
［ Removing Stains ］
If tea stains or other discolorations occur, porcelain can typically be cleaned with mild oxygen bleach and rinsed thoroughly with warm water.
However, please avoid bleach for pieces with gold, silver, or overglaze painted decorations, as it may cause fading.
［ Microwave, Dishwasher, and Oven ］
Most porcelain is dishwasher and microwave safe. However, avoid these for pieces with gold or silver accents. Porcelain is not heat-resistant for oven use unless specified.
Caring for Lacquerware (Shikki)
Lacquerware is crafted by applying the sap of the lacquer tree—a substance full of natural vitality. It is surprisingly durable and does not require complex maintenance for daily use.
In fact, using, washing, and wiping it every day is the best care, as it prevents the lacquer from drying out. We hope you enjoy the vibrant colors and the beautiful luster that develops over time.
［ Before First Use ］
Fresh lacquerware may have a distinct natural scent.
If this bothers you, place the item in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight for about two weeks, and the scent will naturally fade.
To speed up the process, wipe with a soft cloth dampened with a little vinegar, then wash with lukewarm water.
［ Daily Care ］
Wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. For non-oily foods, a simple rinse with warm or cold water is often sufficient.
To prevent water spots or cloudiness, we recommend wiping moisture off immediately with a soft cloth.
［ Storage ］
Avoid extreme dryness, rapid temperature changes, and UV rays, as these can damage the wood and the lacquer film.
Store in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. Please avoid stacking lacquerware with hard pottery or porcelain to prevent scratches.
［ Serving Hot Food ］
Pouring boiling liquids directly into lacquerware may cause the surface to turn slightly white. We recommend letting food or soup cool slightly before serving.
［ Microwave, Dishwasher, and Oven ］
Please do not use in the microwave, dishwasher, or oven.
［ Repair Services ］
One of the beauties of lacquerware is that it can be repaired and re-lacquered.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss professional restoration.
*Repairs are subject to a fee.
*Please note that some pieces may be beyond repair depending on their condition.
Caring for Wood Products
Wooden vessels, showcasing the natural warmth of the material, add a gentle touch to any table.
By understanding their characteristics, you can enjoy their beauty for many years.
［ Before First Use ］
If you notice a scent from the lacquer or urethane finish, place the item in a well-ventilated, shaded area for about two weeks to let it dissipate naturally.
［ Daily Care ］
Wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. To prevent water stains, wipe dry with a soft cloth immediately after washing.
［ Storage ］
Wood is sensitive to extreme dryness and sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Be careful not to stack wooden items with hard materials like ceramic to avoid scratches.
［ Serving Hot Food ］
Extremely hot liquids may cause the finish to whiten. We recommend allowing food to cool slightly before placing it in the vessel.
［ Maintenance for Oil-Finished Wood ］
If the wood surface begins to feel dry, it may be lacking oil.
Apply a thin layer of perilla oil or flaxseed oil with a soft cloth to a completely dry vessel to restore its luster.
If these are unavailable, olive oil can also be used.
［ Microwave, Dishwasher, and Oven ］
Please do not use in the microwave, dishwasher, or oven.
Caring for Edo Kibashi (Chopsticks)
Hand-finished from carefully selected precious woods, Edo Kibashi are designed for both functionality and beauty, offering a superior grip. These are lifelong tools that can be repaired and maintained over time.
［ Daily Care ］
Wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Wipe away moisture with a soft cloth to prevent cloudiness or water spots.
［ Storage ］
Protect from extreme dryness, rapid temperature changes, and direct sunlight. Store in a well-ventilated place.
［ Dishwasher ］
Please do not use in a dishwasher, as it may cause the wood to warp.
［ Repair Services ］
Edo Kibashi can be repaired, including re-shaping broken tips or re-applying lacquer.
Please feel free to consult us for restoration services.
*Repair fees apply.
Caring for Glassware
Glassware, with its ethereal sparkle and clarity, is a material deeply familiar to the Japanese lifestyle.
With gentle handling, these pieces will remain beautiful for a long time.
［ Before First Use ］
Wash with a soft sponge and mild dish soap before its first use.
［ Daily Care ］
Clean with a soft sponge and mild dish soap. Please be careful when washing thin glassware; avoid applying excessive pressure or twisting, as this may cause breakage.
Wipe dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
［ Storage ］
Be careful when stacking glass with hard materials like ceramic, as this can cause scratching.
［ Microwave, Dishwasher, and Oven ］
The glassware available at Amenoie is not heat-resistant.
Please do not use in the microwave, dishwasher, or oven.