Caring for Japanese LacquerwareHandling of lacquerware products1. Please keep lacquerware products out of direct, Iong-tem sunlight or heat. This product is especially sensitive to ultraviolet rays, and exposure can cause the molecules of the lacquer to break. More importantly, UV exposure can cause a fade in color, loss of the glossy finish, or discoloration. Lacquer finishing has the special characteristic of becoming transparent as time passes. Thus, if some parts of the lacquerware product are exposed to direct light while others are not, the overall color change will not be even.2. If an object is placed on top of the lacquerware for a long period of time, the part left covered will change color more slowly and traces from the resting object will be left on the lacquerware piece. Especially take caution for 3-6 months after the product has been finished. 3. The drying of lacquer is quite different than the other paints. Rather than becoming dry by the evaporation of liquids, depending upon the amount of moisture and oxygen in the air,oxidation occurs which leads to the hardening of the lacquer. Therefore, spills of alcohol-based liquids or contact with hot objects may damage newly-made lacquerware. Take care to quickly wipe clean the any spills with a soft cloth. 4. If lacquerware is gently wiped clean with a damp, Iuke warm cloth and buffed carefully with a dry soft cloth after usage, the product will keep its beautiful shine. Furthermore, please avoid keeping lacquerware in a place where the humidity level fluctuates greatly as this may cause the wood to warp. 5. Pressing too hard when wiping dirt from Iacquerware may cause scratches or loss of shine. Lightly brushing off any dirt using a soft cloth prevents damage to the product. 6. Newly finished lacquerware has a particular odor that can be eliminated by placing the piece of lacquerware inside a rice storage chest for a few days.
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