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Caring for the Hagi ware
When using the ceramics for the very first time, wash with water and let it sit in water for one night. This removes the dust and smell of the packing/wrapping materials.
Next, prepare the bottom side of the ceramics. Usually, there is no glaze on the bottom of the ceramics and the rough sand bottom may scratch the surface of tables. If the bottom feels rough on your hand, we recommend smoothing the surface using sandpaper or a whetstone.
Avoid leaving foods/liquids high in acid, oil and alcohol content for extended periods of time in the teacups and dishes. These tend to seep into the cracks developed in the glaze and cause stains, smelling and stickness.
Note: Cracks developed in the glaze creates the unique gentle gloss and brings out the beauty of the material.
Before each use...
Before each use, let the ceramics sit and absorb plenty of water. This prevents the tea from soaking into the ceramics and causing tea-stains.
Unlike the glazed type of ceramics, Hagiyaki is rough in nature and may leak in the early stages of use. With repeated usage, the seeping of tea incrustations will eventually seal it and the leaking will stop. If leaking continues, dry the ceramics well, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch into 500cc of water, boil and pour into the ceramics. Let sit for 6 hours and leaking will stop.
Do not use in microwave ovens. The glaze may become discolored or the ceramics may break at extreme high temperatures.
After washing the ceramics, dry well before storing. Hagiyaki absorbs moisture. So improper storage may cause molding. It is very important to thoroughly dry the Hagiyaki ceramics.
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