About dinnerware care

We often receive questions such as, "Do I need to clean new dishes before using them?", "What should I be mindful of in daily use?", and "Is cleaning dishes a hassle?".

Don't worry, cleaning dishes is not difficult at all. However, a little extra care can make a difference in how long they last.

Dish care varies depending on the material. So, let's first look at the difference between porcelain and pottery and how to distinguish them.

Differences Between Porcelain and Pottery

Dishes are often generically referred to as "pottery," but when viewed as materials, they are broadly divided into "porcelain" and "pottery." The term "pottery" used here refers to "earthenware in general," and its meaning is slightly different from pottery as a specific material.

Porcelain (jiki) has stone as its main ingredient. Arita ware, Imari ware, Hasami ware, and Kutani ware are representative examples. Pottery (tōki) has earth as its main ingredient. Mashiko ware, Hagi ware, and Satsuma ware are representative examples.

How to Distinguish Porcelain and Pottery

You can tell the difference by turning the dish over. Look at the ring-shaped foot part called the kōdai: is it white or brown? If it's white, it's porcelain; if it's brown, it's pottery.

Since the ring is white, it is porcelain.

Since the ring is brown, this is pottery.

How to Care for Porcelain and Pottery

There is a difference in absorbency depending on the raw material. The care methods also differ due to these characteristics.

For example, porcelain has low absorbency and is easy to handle. When starting to use it, simply wash it thoroughly with a mild detergent and a soft sponge, or in a dishwasher.

On the other hand, pottery is highly absorbent, so initial care is important. If used without care, food odors and stains can adhere to it. By "seasoning" it, you can make it less permeable to food moisture and oil.

Pottery requires a little more effort compared to porcelain, but this extra step is key to enjoying the texture and characteristics of pottery for a long time.

Understanding the characteristics and care methods for each material can also help you choose dishes. Please also take a look at our care guide by material.