In the Dishwasher: Load pottery items so they will not touch another item, to avoid damaging during operation. Pottery with attachments, such as wood, cane, or bamboo handles, should be washed by hand.

 

In the Oven or Microwave: Pottery should be at room temperature before entering the oven or microwave, thus avoiding thermal shock. Spread food evenly into pottery and allow pottery to warm up gradually as the oven warms up. Do not pre-heat. Pottery with attachments, such as wood, cane, or bamboo handles, should not be used in the oven or microwave.

 

In the refrigerator: Only put pottery in a refrigerator when pottery and its content are at room temperature.

 

Not on the stove or open flame: Do not use pottery on the stove or open flames. The uneven heat produced causes thermal shock, resulting in cracking of the pottery.

 

"Raku" refers to an ancient Japanese technique used for quick-firing pots to temperatures of around 1800 degrees F, removing them with tongs from the kiln when red hot, and quick-cooling in the open air.

 

Raku fired work requires special care to preserve its beautiful surface.  Dust only with a feather duster or soft brush.  Place out of direct sunlight, and do not place water in or on its surface.