How to care for hand-painted ceramics
Simple habits that keep a hand-painted mug, plate or matcha bowl lovely for years — washing, heat, storing, and what to do if something arrives broken.
Hand-painted ceramics with sculpted details last for years with a little care. The short version: wash by hand, avoid sudden temperature changes, and ask us before using a piece with heat.
Washing
- Wash by hand with warm water, mild soap and a soft sponge.
- Take extra care around sculpted details — frogs, ducks, ears and handles are the most delicate parts.
- Skip scourers and abrasive powders; they can scratch the painting.
- Dry fully before stacking or putting away.
Heat, microwaves and dishwashers
- Avoid sudden temperature changes, such as pouring boiling water into a cold piece or moving it from the fridge straight to heat.
- Some 3D pieces must stay out of the microwave and dishwasher. Check the product page, and ask us before using any piece with heat.
Food or display?
Each product page says how a piece is meant to be used. Some are finished in a food-safe glaze; a few are painted for display only. If a page doesn’t say, ask us before using it with food.
Matcha bowls and whisk holders
- Rinse your chawan right after use so matcha doesn’t settle into the glaze.
- Let your whisk dry on its holder, tines down, so it keeps its shape.
Small differences are normal
Every piece is shaped and painted by hand, so sizes can vary a little and no two brushstrokes are the same. That is part of a handmade piece, not a flaw.
If something arrives broken
Tell us within 48 hours of delivery, with photos, and we will send a replacement or refund it. The details are on our breakage promise page.
Unsure about a specific piece? Write to us — we know every one of them.
