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Matcha bowls enrich your daily tea ceremony time.
The beautiful painting and soft texture that fits comfortably in the hand will soothe the user's soul.
However, proper care and handling are essential to enjoy its charm for a long time.
In this article, we will explain in an easy-to-understand manner the basics of caring for matcha bowls, as well as the key points to consider when handling them based on the material and decoration.
1. Matcha Bowl Care | Basic Steps
Most matcha bowls are made of pottery, with porcelain being the minority. Matcha bowls, especially those made of Raku ware, have the unique texture and softness of the clay and are treasured as vessels that strongly reflect the spirituality of the tea ceremony.
Before use: Seal and blanch
Ceramic matcha bowls are highly absorbent, and if used as is, they can cause tea stains and stains. Before use, soak them in lukewarm water for several hours to seal the pores and prevent stains from seeping in. Lightly blanch them in boiling water just before the tea ceremony to prevent cracking.
Raku ware is fired at low temperatures, making it soft and vulnerable to thermal shock, so it is important to soak it in lukewarm water.
After use: Wash gently by hand
After use, wash gently with lukewarm water and remove dirt with a soft cloth or sponge. Use only the minimum amount of mild detergent necessary. Special care is required for vessels with gold or overglaze painting.
Drying and storage
After use, lightly rinsing with hot water will speed up drying and prevent mold. After washing, do not wipe with a cloth; instead, place the container upside down in the shade to dry. Allow to dry thoroughly for 5 to 7 days, then store in a breathable container such as a paulownia wood box. Wrapping in non-breathable cushioning materials such as urethane will trap moisture, so we recommend storing it in a cloth.
| material | characteristics | Care tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pottery (earthenware) | Highly absorbent and soft, used for many matcha bowls, including Ninsei-ji, Raku-yaki, Karatsu-yaki, and Hagi-yaki | Boiling is required / Seals pores / Hand wash and dry in the shade |
| Porcelain (stoneware) | Almost no water absorption, hard and durable | Detergent and dishwasher safe (be careful of decorations) / Rapid freezing not allowed |
2. Important points to note for each decoration and glaze
decoration
Overglaze painting (painting on top of the glaze)
This is a method of painting over the glaze after the final firing.
Examples include overpainted Ninseiji pottery, which is common in Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ware, and are characterized by vibrant colors and gorgeous decorations such as gold leaf.
It is sensitive to friction and heat, so avoid putting it in the dishwasher or microwave. It is used for many matcha bowls, so it is best to wash it carefully by hand and store it separately.
Underglaze painting (coloring under the glaze)
It is decorated by painting the piece before firing, applying glaze and then firing it again.
When it comes to matcha bowls, representative examples include Kyoto ware with blue and white painting and Karatsu ware with painted Karatsu.
The painting is coated with glaze on top, so it won't peel off easily.
It is durable and suitable for everyday use and can be washed just like regular ceramic.
Kochi
This matcha bowl is characterized by its three-dimensional frame (itchin) and vibrant colors.
It is vulnerable to acid and shock, so wash it gently by hand and be careful of temperature changes.
glaze
Ninseiji
Also known as Awatade, it is characterized by its soft milky white color.
This matcha bowl is representative of Kyoto ware, with the warmth of pottery and striking colored and gold paintings.
The soft white base has crazing and tea stains easily soak in. It is important to blanch the pot in hot water and wash and dry it promptly.
Raku ware
These hand-formed matcha bowls are representative of Japan and come in red, black, and brown varieties.
It is made by rapid heating and cooling, and has an attractive luster and earthy texture.
Because it is soft and easily breaks, it is best to hand wash it and air dry it.
natural glaze
This matcha bowl evokes the feeling of wabi-sabi, a style often found in Shigaraki ware and Hagi ware.
When fired in a climbing kiln, ash from the wood used as fuel naturally falls on the piece during firing, creating an ash glaze that allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Despite its typical ceramic appearance, it is fired at high temperatures and is therefore sturdy, but be careful as the unglazed parts are prone to absorbing water.
Tenmoku glaze
This is a historic matcha bowl that was introduced from China at the same time as the culture of matcha.
Iron-based glazes in black and amber. The style varies greatly depending on the maker, from glossy jet black to beautiful mottled patterns that develop in the kiln.
3. Treat your tableware properly to ensure it lasts a long time
A matcha bowl is not just a tool, but something that calms the mind and adds color to your daily life every time you use it.
By understanding the characteristics of the materials and decorations and caring for them appropriately, you can enjoy their beauty and texture for a long time.
Make it a habit to handle your tableware correctly and enjoy a richer time with it.
