Hagi-yaki is one of the most beloved pottery traditions in Japan, known for its soft cream glazes, porous clay body, and a very special quality: it changes with use. Over time, the fine network of cracks in the glaze (called kannyu, 貫入) absorbs tea and deepens in color, giving each piece a one-of-a-kind patina. This process is called Hagi no nanabake, “the seven changes of Hagi,” and tea practitioners have prized it for four hundred years.
Because Hagi ware is more porous than most Japanese pottery, it asks for a little extra care. The effort is well worth it — a well-loved Hagi bowl is often more beautiful after twenty years than it was on the day it came out of the kiln.
For the background and history of Hagi ware, see our guide to Hagi-yaki and the seven changes. Below is the practical care guide.
Before First Use
A brand-new Hagi piece benefits from a gentle introduction to water.
- Soak the piece overnight in cool, clean water. This removes any trace of packaging material or kiln dust and allows the clay to absorb moisture evenly for the first time.
- Check the foot. Hagi ware is often unglazed around the kodai (foot ring), and the rough clay can sometimes scratch a wooden table. If it feels sharp, you can smooth it very lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. Most pieces do not need this.
Everyday Use
Hagi ware is made to be used. The more you use it, the more beautiful it becomes.
- Rinse with warm water before pouring tea. A quick rinse “wakes up” the clay and helps your first cup settle evenly instead of staining on one side.
- Use it every day if you can. Hagi pieces that are used regularly develop color and character faster than pieces that sit on a shelf.
- Avoid long contact with strong foods. Acidic liquids (citrus, vinegar), heavy oils, and alcoholic beverages can be absorbed into the clay and leave odors or dark marks. If you do serve these in a Hagi piece, rinse as soon as possible afterwards.
If Your Piece Leaks at First
A new Hagi piece may seep slightly during its first weeks of use. This is not a defect — it is the porous clay doing exactly what it is supposed to do. Usually the seeping stops on its own as the craze lines seal from repeated contact with tea. If it continues after several uses:
- Dry the piece completely.
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 500 ml of water.
- Bring the cornstarch water to a gentle simmer.
- Pour it into the Hagi piece and let it sit for about 6 hours.
- Discard, rinse with warm water, and dry thoroughly.
The cornstarch gently seals the fine cracks without leaving any taste or residue. After this treatment the leaking should stop. In Japanese households, a similar trick is sometimes done with a thin rice gruel (okayu).
Washing and Drying
- Wash with warm water and a soft sponge. Mild dish soap is acceptable if necessary, but rinse very thoroughly afterwards — the porous clay can hold onto soap scent.
- Do not scrub with abrasive pads. They can scratch the soft glaze.
- Let the piece air-dry fully before putting it away. Hagi ware absorbs moisture easily, and storing it damp in a closed cupboard can cause mold on the inside of the piece.
Microwave and Dishwasher
Most Hagi pieces are technically microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but we do not recommend either. Dishwashers use strong detergents and high heat that gradually erode the soft glaze. Microwaves can trap moisture in the clay body and, over time, cause uneven patches on the surface, especially where food has stained the craze lines.
A two-minute hand wash in warm water is always the better choice for a piece you want to enjoy for decades.
Enjoying the “Seven Changes”
One of the most beautiful things about Hagi ware is that no two pieces age the same way. The colour of your tea, the minerals in your local water, the way you hold the bowl, even the season — all of these leave tiny traces in the glaze over the years. This transformation is called Hagi no nanabake (七化け), and tea practitioners consider it the heart of why Hagi ware is worth living with.
Do not worry about stains or dark streaks as your piece ages. In Hagi, these are not flaws; they are the pot becoming itself.
If Something Goes Wrong
If your Hagi piece cracks or chips, do not throw it away. Traditional repair techniques like kintsugi (gold-seam mending) or yobi-tsugi can restore it — often in a way that makes the piece even more beautiful than before. Please contact us if you are unsure what to do.
Find Your Piece
To see what is currently in stock, visit our Hagi-yaki collection or the broader Japanese ceramics range. And for the story and history behind this beloved pottery, our Hagi-yaki guide is the next good read.