GOENNE | Japan Craft Shop | Artisan Story | Product care
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PRODUCT CARE

Artisans put in a lifetime of work into making utilitarian objects.  I hope you will treasure the items as much as you enjoy using them.
Here are some tips on using and caring for hand-made pottery:
  • Before first use, immerse the earthenware into water.  This will prevent grease or sauce from penetrating into the porous surface.

  • After each use, wash with mild detergent to remove any stain or dirt.  Leave it in the shade and air-dry completely before storage.  

  • Visible cracks on glazed surface is a common property of pottery.  Some ceramists use crackle glaze to intentionally create cracks for its aesthetics.  In Japanese pottery culture, cracks on glaze are embraced as representation of the impermanence, and marks of extended ownership.

  • Tea or coffee will stain the cracks and will appear as dark lines.  This is common and many embrace this aesthetics simlar to "patina" on metal. Occasionally people soak their pottery in diluted bleach and the stained hairline will disappear.  

  • Unless stated, do not use in microwave oven or dishwasher. 

  • Only certain clay can be used over direct flame or stove (e.g. claypot).  Please read instruction before use

Using and caring for bent-wood ware:

Bento box with natural wood finish is not suitable for soup or food with runny sauces.  Consider using baking sheet or parchment paper to line the box.  A special water-proofing coating (clear acrylic lacquer) can be added to bento box fo added protection.  Please inquire before order. 

Before first use

  • pour 80˚Chot water in to the container for 2-3 minutes.  Repeat a few times to remove the scent of natural cedar. ​

  • Watermark may become visible if not dried thoroughly and may darken the surface (especially in corners).  This is normal and will not affect the property of the magemono.  After air-drying, the magemono is ready for use.  ​

After each use

  • Rinse with warm water and allow it to air-dry thoroughly. 

  • To remove odor or stain, wash with small amount of mild detergent using non-abrasive sponge.  Allow to dry in well-ventilated place. 

  • Do not put in dishwashing machine. 

  • Do not use bleach or chemicals.

  • Do not put under direct sun for drying. ​

  • Avoid prolonged soaking in water. 

  • Microwave oven?  Since this is all wood, it is microwavable.  But high-power setting or extensive heating time may damage the wood.

  • Wood is an organic material that breaths and changes overtime.  Patina (darkening) is normal. Be gentle, take good care of it and it will last you a long long time. 

Warping

Bentwood are made with 4mm-5mm thin plank of cedar, the thin-ness of the material allows it to bend and maintain its light-weight.  It is common to see warping of the thin lids, especially in Japan where humidity is high.  Hot steam, high heat and moisture may cause minor warping of the lid, placing a heavy object over the lid may help flattening the lid to its original shape.   

Using and caring for lacquer ware:
  • Wash with mild soap and water.  

  • Use only non-abrasive sponge or towel. 

  • Do not put lacquer ware under direct sunlight.

  • Do not use in microwave oven or dishwasher. 

  • Lacquer ware shows its natural wear by revealing its under layer of lacquer. Sometimes artisan uses different color lacquer as underlays.  It adds to the beauty of the craft work as a gradiant of color reveals over time. 

  • Dried lacquer is food-safe. 

Using and caring for kintsugi or lacquer-repaired ware:
  • Wash with mild soap and water before use.  

  • Use only non-abrasive sponge or towel. 

  • Do not use in microwave oven or dishwasher.

  • Dried lacquer is food-safe. 

  • If using kintsugi-repaired container for food, please check with responsible artisans to ensure the repair is done with authentic traditional material (pure gold powder, lacquer etc...)  Nowadays, many kinstugi repair work is done using artificial and chemical material like epoxy, pearlescent paint, or fake gold/metal leaf. 

  • Any kinstugi item or repair service from Goenne is done by artisans in Japan using traditional material and method.  

Washing Instruction for Tabi Socks
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  • Machine Wash Cold (Permanent Press)

  • Do Not Tumble Dry

  • Line Dry in Shade

  • Do Not Bleach

  • Do Not Dry-clean

  • Do Not Iron

Give it a lot of love and it will last you a lifetime.

kintsugi care
lacquerware care
bentwood care
pottery care
tabi socks care
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