Words of advice for maintaining handmade ceramics
Ceramic vessels are among the most durable things man has ever created. Whether for daily use or decoration, they are made to last and can remain in optimal condition for tens and even hundreds and thousands of years. Tools made in ancient societies around the world have been preserved as new and have become a symbol of local culture. Here are some tips to help your new tools reach their potential in a thousand years when they will be excavated:
* Professionally hand-made tools are fired in a kiln that reaches temperatures between 900 and 1280 degrees celsius. These high-quality tools undergo a sintering procedure that compresses the particles of the material and prevents the infiltration of liquids. Thus, they are good for either hot or cold use and can be put in the microwave, oven or dishwasher.
* Exceptions are vessels decorated with silver or gold, such as Golden Mountains, as these precious metals can peel or turn black due to the high temperature of the water and the heat waves.
* Also, when working with an oven keep in mind that all ceramic utensils, in particular handmade, are sensitive to extreme changes in temperature and may crack due to the transition from hot to cold and vise versa. It is therefore advisable to place ceramic utensils in the oven when it is in a cold to lukewarm state, and heat them gradually.
* All ceramic vessels combine resilience and vulnerability. Therefore care should be taken especially with thin and delicate pieces.