APPRECIATING KARATSU WARE
HOW TO HANDLE AND USE KARATSU WARE
- Developing the patina.
There are fine cracks present in the surface of Karatsu ware, called “kannyu”, or “crackle” in English. Through this crackle, water and tannins, etc. will enter the ware, accentuating the crackle pattern and producing a patina. The more the ware is used, the more this patina will develop and change, creating a unique ceramic object like no other. If you do not wish for this patina to develop or change, you can slow down the process considerably, by soaking it in water before use. This will reduce the rate of absorption, especially with oily foods.
- Handle ware gently.
Karatsu ware may chip or crack if bumps into harder objects such as metal or china porcelain, and for this reason we recommend washing it separately. Very finely made pieces may not be suitable for dishwashers, which tend to agitate and jostle ware. After washing, place the ware for easy draining and dry completely. Adequate washing and drying will prevent unwanted discoloration.
- If the ware perspires...
Sometimes, Karatsu ware will perspire or leak if left full of liquid for long periods. This is because the local clays tend to be comparatively large grained and less dense. Any perspiring or leaking will cease steadily with continued use.
Cooperation: Hito-Mono-tsukuri Karatsu Project of Saga University
Professor Yuhki Tanaka / Studio Shirotani / Takeshi Endo / Naoto Yano /
Akira Yamaguchi / Chiaki Inoue / Akiko Setoguchi
