Handle the body, not the weakest-looking part
Handling advice from CCI
The Canadian Conservation Institute recommends inspecting condition, using two hands and avoiding lifting ceramic objects by handles or spouts. Its guidance is for museum collections; these handling principles are useful precautions, not a laboratory assessment of the pieces sold here. Source: CCI
- Clear a stable surface before moving a piece.
- Support the main body and watch for a loose lid or other separate part.
- Move one piece at a time; avoid carrying a stack against your body.
- Keep display areas away from an edge or places that are regularly knocked.
Ask before applying a cleaning method
Conservation guidance, applied cautiously
Check for flaking decoration, cracks, repairs or an unknown coating before applying water or a cleaner. If you are uncertain about the finish, stop and ask the seller for item-specific instructions. A method meant for ordinary tableware should not automatically be applied to a decorative or repaired piece. Source: CCI
Do not improvise with abrasive pads, bleach, acidic stain removers or home repair glue on an unfamiliar piece. If an object is damaged, keep the fragments safely and seek appropriate advice rather than testing a repair on the visible surface. Avoid handling sharp edges. Source: CCI
Confirm the intended use before a first drink
| Question | Current shop position |
|---|---|
| Can I serve hot drinks? | Ask for confirmation for the actual piece before use. |
| Is it microwave or dishwasher safe? | No blanket appliance claim is published for the collection. |
| Does an attractive glaze prove food-contact suitability? | No; images and appearance are not certification. |
| What if it arrives damaged? | Retain useful packaging and item records, then email the shop with the order number. |
For a new order, care and suitability questions belong before payment. For a parcel issue, keep the private order record and follow the published delivery policy. If shipment coverage was agreed, keep its carrier or policy details with the photographs so the shop can review the issue with the relevant provider.
Display, storage and a parcel that arrives broken
For home decor or a small display collection, favour a stable location where the item can be seen and reached without moving several other objects. Keep a loose lid from sliding while moving the pot. Do not balance a piece on a narrow edge just to recreate a styled photograph. Source: CCI
If a parcel arrives damaged, retain the box, protective packing, label and useful original photographs, and email the shop with the order number. Ask about the selected route’s insurance or compensation coverage before dispatch; ceramic breakage may need specific acceptance and packing conditions. This guide does not state that every route is insured against breakage.
Before you decide
- Clear and support before moving.
- Inspect condition and keep loose parts secure.
- Use only a confirmed cleaning method for the item.
- Email about suitability or damage; do not infer it from an image.
Sources and the scope of this guide
Follow the sources for historical, botanical and conservation background. Observations of this collection refer to the shop’s original videos; selection, styling and tasting exercises are our suggestions. For a purchase, use the actual item record.
