Product Quality

Made by Hand, Piece by Piece

The ceramics we offer are made in small studios and kilns across Japan, and much of the shaping, glazing, and finishing is done by hand. Because of this, small differences from piece to piece are a normal part of the process, not a flaw. Below are the natural characteristics you may see, so you know what to expect when your piece arrives.

Natural Variations in Handmade Ceramics

Glaze Variation

The color and thickness of a glaze can vary across the surface of a piece, and between pieces of the same design. Glaze reacts differently depending on where it sits in the kiln and how it flows during firing.

Iron Specks (Tetsuko)

Small black or brown specks can appear in the clay or glaze. They come from natural minerals in the clay and are common in Japanese pottery and porcelain.

Crazing (Kannyu)

Some glazes form a fine network of hairline lines on the surface, during firing or over time. This happens because the glaze and the clay shrink at different rates as they cool. It is not a crack through the piece. Crazed surfaces can take on light stains from tea, coffee, or oil over time; our care guide explains how to look after them.

Throwing Lines and Surface Texture

Slight ridges, unevenness, or lines left by the potter's hands or tools are a natural result of shaping and finishing by hand. They are part of the making, not a defect.

Shape and Size Variation

Because much of the shaping and finishing is done by hand, pieces of the same design can differ slightly in height, width, or weight. The dimensions listed on each product page are approximate.

Marks on the Base

You may notice small marks, grit, or an uneven edge on the unglazed base. These come from the kiln shelf during firing and are common in Japanese stoneware and porcelain.

When to Contact Us

The variations above are part of handmade pottery and are not treated as damage or defects. If your piece arrives cracked, chipped, or broken, or is different from what you ordered, please contact us at contact@japanclassic.shop within 10 days of the delivery date recorded by the carrier, with photos of the problem. See our Return and Refund Policy for the details.