about Pottery
Pottery changes little by little as you use it. Imagine a leather product; it starts off shiny and deep in color. The more you use it, the more dull and lighter in color it becomes. Pottery changes over time in the same way. We would be very happy if you come to find these natural changes in your pottery beautiful and love them for a long time. Therefore, we’ve prepared some information on caring for your pieces. Please enjoy below!
Most of the pottery at our store is hand-crafted. Therefore, every piece varies slightly in size, thickness, shape, color and texture. These variations reflect the nature of each artisan’s work. Also the patterning and glazing that are applied are unique for each product; one may not look exactly like the next.
You may see pinholes, iron powder residue, black spots, and other things here and there on some items. They are normal characteristics of pottery and not defects. You may also see fine streaks that almost look like cracks at times on your pottery. These are called “crazes”, and they are also a normal feature of pottery. You may even come to enjoy these crazes.
Pottery is porous and absorbs moisture well. Strong odors or stains may develop if food is left in it for a long time.
Every Time Before Using
Wetting your pottery with cold or hot water before use will prevent odors and stains from forming.
After Using Your Piece
Wash it as soon as possible, then your pottery will be kept clean.
Dry well before storing.
Moisture causes bad odors and mold.
Because the bottom of your piece is not glazed,
it could scratch your table.
If you think the bottom is too rough, you can use sandpaper to smooth it.
Handling
Before using for the first time
Pottery is fired at a high temperature like 900 to 1200 degrees Celsius (1650 to 2,200 degree Fahrenheit), and the earth used is coarse and highly absorbent. Because of this, if you use it before sealing it properly first, it might absorb fluids and oils from cooking. To use and keep your pottery clean for a long time, we highly recommend doing the sealing treatment below.
Sealing Treatment Method
Materials: (Choose one)
-Leftover water from rinsing rice. (Water with the rice starch still in it).
If you choose this option, please try to use water that is cloudy enough that you can’t see the bottom of your container. If it is too clear, you can remedy it by adding a little bit of cooked rice.
Or
-A solution of water and flour/wheat starch
If you choose this option, please use a ratio of 1tablespoon starch: 1 liter of water.
Please note that both choices are equally effective. However, keep in mind any food allergies while choosing your starch.
Procedure:
- Find a pot that is large enough to fit your entire piece of pottery in. Fill it with your starchy water. Stir well.
- Immerse the pottery in the pot.
- Start with medium heat and slowly increase the temperature until it begins to boil. Reduce the heat and continue to boil for 20 minutes. Please do not allow the pottery to bang against your pot during this process. This can be avoided by placing a towel at the bottom of your pot. (I do this all the time.)
- Turn off the heat and let your pottery cool naturally without removing it from the pot. The piece should soad for a half day or longer. Warning: Trying to cool it quicker than this could result in cracking and damaging your pottery!
- Remove your piece from the pot and rinse thoroughly.
- Dry completely with a cloth and leave out to air dry until no moisture remains. If you store it too quickly, mold may develop, so drying is very important.
The results of sealing may differ from piece to piece. Factors that contribute to this may include the type of clay or earth used in the piece, as well as the pottery’s finish.
Regular Care and Storage
-Wash your pottery with a soft sponge and mild soap that does not scratch.
-Before storing, please dry your piece thoroughly. Otherwise, mold and odors may stick to the pottery.
Dealing with foul odors on your pottery
If you’re having bad odors on your piece, soak your item in sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) water for half a day. Dry well. This may help remove some of the smell.
Important Notes Concerning Appliances and Fire
Because your pottery is vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature, please refrain from using it:
-On a direct flame
-In a microwave
-In an oven
-In a dishwasher (Also, dishwashers may cause you piece to be chipped.)