Kuro Raku Chawan Bajōhai

Initiation:
Before the first use, put the Raku bowl in lukewarm water with a cup of raw rice. Make sure that the bowl is wholly immersed in the water, and let it sit there for about 15 minutes. The rice powder in the water seals the pores of the Raku chawan, making its walls sturdier and less fragile.

Cleaning:
To clean, dip the tea bowl in lukewarm water: a new bowl for one or two minutes; an older one for about 30 seconds. Never let the bowl sit in water for much longer, for the tea bowl might burst!

Storage:
After use always dry it with a towel. If you live in a place with rainy seasons or high humidity, always make sure that the walls are dry enough, because constant exposure to moisture might damage the bowl. If mould or unusual odor develops on the bowl, prepare tea in it every day. (Do not drink that tea, just discard it.) The smell should be gone in a week. In case it is not, contact us for further instructions.

Usage:
Raku tea bowls are traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. They are fairly porous by nature, which means the water might seep through their pores. Raku ware is vulnerable to acid, so avoid putting acidy food in it. A Raku bowl is made for tea, avoid using it for any other kinds of food!
Due to the porous feature of Raku ware, it might develop cracks in time. In most cases appropriate initiation and care can prevent this.