Care instruction of Japanese sake cup（Pottery）

It is safe to wash sake cups by hand with dishwashing detergent as you would regular tableware. Pottery is highly absorbent and should be washed promptly after use, as odors and stains will soak into it if left unattended after use.

Use of a dishwasher is not recommended. If the water pressure causes the dishes to collide with each other, there is a possibility of breakage. If you want to use it for a long time, wash it gently with a soft sponge and neutral detergent.

And as for storage, it is essential to dry the sake cup until it is completely dry when putting it away. If moisture remains, mold will form and ruin your favorite sake cup. Here is a method to prevent mold from forming and to prevent odors and stains from seeping into the vessel during use. It is called "Medome" (sealing).

Pottery vessels are highly water absorbent, and if used as is, odors and stains will sink into the vessel. This is caused by small holes on the surface of the vessel. Before use, the small holes can be sealed by a process called "Medome" .

All you need is a large pot, grains of rice or rice bran, water, and your pottery sake cup. First, prepare a large pot and place a clean white cloth on the bottom. Place the sake cup on top of the pot, and pour the rice grains or rice bran into the pot. Then, add water until the sake cup is completely submerged, and bring it to a boil over heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to low and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. After turning off the heat, wait for the sake cup to cool down, wash it clean, and let it dry naturally for about half a day to complete the "Medome" process.

It is important to use a gas stove instead of an induction cooker, as sake cups is more likely to be damaged if an induction cooker is used. Placing a sheet of sandpaper or a folded white cloth on the bottom of the pot will reduce the risk of breakage.