<<Usage Notes for Furniture>>

[Chairs and sofas]

- Avoid use for any purpose other than sitting, such as standing on a seating face and using as a stepstool, or breakage, overturning, and falling of products could cause the risk of injury.
- Avoid use in unstable postures, such as sitting with the front legs kept off the floor and the body weight put on the rear legs, or breakage, overturning, and falling of products could cause the risk of injury.
- Do not use on slippery floors, or there is the risk of injury due to overturning and falling.
- Do not stack more chairs equipped with the stacking function than the specified number, or there is the risk of breakage or injury due to collapsing. As the number of chairs that can be stacked varies depending on the product type, ask your distributor.
- Do not sit on chairs equipped with the stacking function while they are stacked, or there is the risk of breakage due to overturning or getting the hand or foot caught between them.
- Do not move chairs equipped with the stacking function while they are stacked.
- When moving products, lift them or cover the back sides of the legs with felt. Dragging them for a move could scratch the floors.
- Do not exceed the capacity when sitting on products, or there is the risk of injury due to breakage.
- Set up products in horizontal places. Using products while they are inclined could cause a decrease in product strength or breakage.
- In addition to the above, avoid any use that is categorized as risky behavior.

[Table]

- Avoid use for any purpose other than as tables, such as standing or seating on the top panel, or breakage, overturning, and falling of products could cause the risk of injury.
- Do not apply an excessive unilateral load on the top panel of pedestal tables, or there is the risk of breakage or injury due to overturning.
- When moving a table, lift with two or more persons.
- When moving a desk with drawers, be careful not to get injured by the drawers coming out.
- Do not place hot pots or something hot directly on the top panels, or they could be scratched, deformed, or discolored.
- Do not use ready-to-assemble tables with the joints loosened. Periodically check that they are not loose and retighten them if they are loose.
- Set up products in horizontal places. Using products while they are inclined could cause a decrease in product strength or breakage.
- In addition to the above, avoid any use that is categorized as risky behavior.

[Cabinets]

- Do not put things only in the upper drawers or on the front side of drawers, or the cabinets could become unstable and overturn to cause the risk of breakage or injury.
- Do not stand on the main body, drawers, doors, and shelf plates, or there is the risk of injury due to breakage, overturning, or falling of products.
- Do not apply a load with drawers or doors opened, or there is the risk of injury due to breakage, overturning, and falling of products.
- Do not open/close the drawers or doors with a hand put in a gap between movable portions, or there is the risk of injury.
- Avoid using with two or more drawers or doors opened, or there is the risk of injury due to overturning.
- Putting too many things in drawers could interfere with opening/closing, resulting in breakage. Use drawers to the extent that things do not interfere with opening/closing.
- When mounting a television, be sure to confirm the correct mounting method before mounting it. Do not mount televisions that are larger than the recommended sizes, or there is the risk of injury due to overturning or falling.
- Anti-scattering films are placed on the inner side of the glass surfaces. Scratches on the films cannot be repaired. Be careful not to damage the films when cleaning products or moving shelf plates.
- Before assembling the brass legs, be sure to check with assembly drawings.
- Set up products in horizontal places. Using products while they are inclined could cause a decrease in product strength or breakage.
- In addition to the above, avoid any use that is categorized as risky behavior.

[Beds]

- Do not jump on beds, or there is the risk of injury due to product breakage, overturning, and falling.
- For long mattress life, flip it upside down and turn the foot side to the head side occasionally. Using mattresses in the same orientation for a long time could cause a decrease in functionality, deformation, and squeakiness (approximately once every three months).
- A squeaky sound or grogginess may occur due to loosen screws in bed frames or aging materials. In such a case, retighten the screws.
- Set up products in horizontal places. Using products while they are inclined could cause a decrease in product strength or breakage.
- In addition to the above, avoid any use that is categorized as risky behavior.

[Lighting instruments]

<Warning> This indication shows that handling products against it could result in death or severe injury.

[Hanging lights / Standing lights]

- Be sure to confirm the rated voltage and power supply voltage of instruments before mounting them. Using them at a voltage exceeding the rated voltage could cause a fire or failure.
- Be sure to mount or assemble instruments in accordance with the instructions. Inappropriate mounting, assembly, and setup could cause a fire or an electric shock.
- In the event of any abnormality, such as smoke generation or abnormal odor, turn off the power immediately. After confirming that the abnormal condition disappeared, consult your distributor.
- Use at an ambient temperature between 5ºC and 35ºC and an ambient humidity of between 45% and 85%. Continuing use at an ambient temperature other than the specified one could cause a failure.
- Do not use in places where instruments swing in the wind sent by air conditioners etc. or are subject to impacts or vibrations, or the instruments could be damaged due to failure, falling, or overturning.
- Do not place things with a possibility of combustion over or near instruments, or it could cause a fire.
- Do not modify instruments or change components, or it could cause a fire, an electric shock, or breakage.
- Avoid behaviors that could break instruments, such as forcibly bending or pulling the power cord or plug, or it could cause a fire or breakage.
- In the event of breakage of the power cord (such as exposure and disconnection of a core wire), turn off the power immediately and contact an appliance dealer or a distributor. Continuing use of the appliance could cause a fire or an electric shock.
- When pulling or inserting the power plug, be sure to hold the plug section. Pulling or inserting the power plug while holding any section other than the plug section could break the power cord, resulting in a fire or an electric shock.
- Be sure to insert the power plug fully until it reaches a predefined position. Using an instrument with the power plug inserted incompletely could cause a fire or failure.
- Remove the dust or dirt on plugs and sockets periodically. Accumulated dust or dirt could cause an insulation failure due to humidity etc. resulting in a fire.
- Do not insert any foreign matter, such as metals, into gaps in the instruments or heat release holes, or it could cause an electric shock or failure.
- Mount or assemble instruments according to the instruction manuals. Incomplete mounting or assembly method could cause a fire, an electric shock, or failure.
- In addition to the above, avoid any use that is categorized as risky behavior.

[Hanging lights]

- To use a wall-mounted switch with the dimming function (light controller), use dimmable lamps.
　However, because even dimmable lamps could cause a lighting failure or abnormal noise because of the compatibility with the dimming switches, contact the switch manufacturers for compatible lamps. Using non-dimmable lamps could cause a fire or failure.
- To replace with a wall-mounted on/off switch without the dimming function, consult an electrical workshop.
- Be sure to mount instruments with a flange cover according to the instruction manual. Incomplete mounting methods for use could cause an electric shock or failure.
- Do not mount instruments onto sloping ceilings or ceilings that are not reinforced, or it could cause breakage due to a fire or falling.
- Check the wiring accessories mounted on the ceiling.
　Instruments cannot be mounted if the wiring accessories (hang-to-mount rosettes / ceiling rosettes) as shown in the diagram below are not available:
　To mount instruments onto wiring ducts (duct rails), connection plugs (ceiling rosette replacement plug) that can be placed inside a flange cover are necessary (*sold separately).
- Wiring accessories (hang-to-mount rosettes / ceiling rosettes) cannot be mounted if they are broken or loose. Improper mounting could cause a fire or breakage due to falling. Ask specialized electric shops for replacement of wiring accessories.

[Standing lights]

- Do not use products in unstable places or near combustible materials, or it could cause breakage due to a fire, falling, or overturning.
- Do not put things on the power cord, put the power cord between things, or step on it. Using products with a load applied to the power cord could cause a fire or failure.
- Do not place something hot, such as heating appliances near the instruments, or it could cause a fire or failure.
- Do not carry instruments while they are on, or it could cause breakage or an electric shock.
- If instruments are not used for a long period of time, pull the attachment plug for safety.
- Do not use exceeding the ratings of electric outlets, or it could cause a fire or failure.

<Caution> This indication shows that handling products against it could result in the risk of personal injury or property damage.

- This instrument is non-moisture-proof and non-waterproof. It cannot be used outdoors or in wet or moist places, such as bathrooms.
- This instrument is intended for indoor use. It cannot be used outdoors or semi-outdoors.
- Do not pull or insert cords with wet hands, or it could cause an electric shock or failure.
- Use lamps that conform to the rated voltages and satisfy instrument specifications. Using lamps out of standards or specifications could cause a fire or an electric shock.
- At time of maintenance, do not wash with water or apply sprayable detergent directly, or it could cause an electric shock or failure.
- Do not touch instruments when they are lit or immediately after they are lit because they are hot, or it could cause an electric shock.
- Make sure to turn off lamps before replacing or maintaining them.
- Lighting instruments have a limited lifespan. Although it varies depending on the usage conditions and environments, it is estimated to be five to ten years under general usage conditions. As the deterioration of internal components progresses even if no abnormality is observed in the external appearance, ask specialized electric shops to inspect the instruments at least once every two years and implement appropriate measures if any problem is found. Leaving problems without implementing any measure could cause a fire, an electric shock, or failure.

[Other furniture]

- As coat hangers may fall under a unilateral load or strong wind, pay attention to the load and place of setup. There is the risk of breakage and injury due to falling.
- Be sure to fix mirrors with the provided attachments. Fixing them with any tool other than the provided ones could cause falling, resulting in breakage or an injury.
- Mirrors may not be mounted depending on the structure inside a wall. Mounting mirrors forcedly could generate the risk of breakage of the walls or products or injury due to dropped products. If you have any questions, please ask your distributor or our customer service.
- In addition to the above, avoid any use that is categorized as risky behavior.

[Precautions common to all products]

- Do not set up products in places that are exposed to direct sunlight or wind from air-conditioning equipment as much as possible, or they could cause a deformation, discoloration, breakage, and warpage.
- Be sure to set up products in places where they can be horizontal. Using products in unstable conditions could cause a decrease in product strength or an injury due to breakage or overturning.
- To dispose of products, ask specialized companies or follow the disposal methods specified by local governments.
- Be sure to assemble and disassemble ready-to-assemble products based on their assembly drawings. Using products that are assembled improperly could cause the risk of product breakage or injury. If no assembly drawings are available, contact your distributor.
- Do not use products under fault conditions with loose bolts or screws, or there is the risk of product breakage or injury. Check for any loose bolts or screws periodically and retighten them immediately if they are loose.
- Do not use volatile chemicals such as thinner and benzine or abrasives, or they could scratch products to cause discoloration or property change.
- As alcohol or chlorine-based sterilizing liquids could corrode a urethane coating, avoid using them frequently. In addition, discontinue use immediately if any phenomenon, such as surface stickiness, lifting of the coating film, or change in gloss, is observed at the time of use. Recoating may be required depending on the condition.
- Set up products away from walls and ventilate the rooms sufficiently. In hot and humid rooms and a condensing environment, fungi and ticks may be generated, causing product discoloration, deformation, or deterioration. The humidity of the recommended environment is between 40% and 60%. Use humidifiers in very dry places.
- Many of our products are finished with an open pore coating, which is applied in a thin layer to keep the original aesthetic properties of the materials. Be aware that the coating film may come off if some sort of load is applied to the products. In addition, be aware that the fibers or components of cloths that are used to wipe products for maintenance may adhere to or get caught in the wood grain.
- Cloths may get caught in the wood fibers, depending on the material and fabric. Avoid the use of such cloths and choose ones that are less likely to get caught (recommended materials: Cotton, rayon, etc.).
- Using cloths for maintenance may change the gloss of products. In particular, be aware that wiping hard or one portion in a concentrative manner may change the gloss.
- Floors may sink from the weights of products and stored materials, depending on the material and strength of the floors on which products are set up. Reinforce them properly because there is the risk of overturning or breakage.
- Products may swing or generate abnormal noise, depending on the floors on which they are set up. In such a case, reinforcing floors or fixing products to walls is recommended.
- Odor may be generated by the materials, iron-water finish, and coatings, such as urethane. As such odors could cause discomfort or deconditioning, ventilate rooms as much as possible to avoid the odors from remaining in the rooms. Odors decrease with time.
- Each product made of natural wood has different aesthetic properties, such as wood grain, burrs, and color strength. Note in advance that the requests for returns, refunds, discounts, and replacement for these reasons cannot be accepted.
- Leathers may have natural marks, such as wrinkles, warts, and traces of damage on the surface. Note in advance that the requests for returns, refunds, discounts, and replacement for these reasons cannot be accepted.

<<Handling precautions for respective types of materials>>

[Wood materials / Beeswax finish]

Characteristics

This is a completely additive-free finishing material containing sunflower seed oil produced in Hokkaido, as well as domestic beeswax. We uniquely developed this material to use as a secure and safe finish for furniture. Sunflower seed oil prevents drying by penetrating into wood materials, and beeswax produces waterproof and antifouling effects by remaining on the wood material surfaces. As this material does not form a resin film on the surfaces like a urethane coating, the texture and feel of the wood are retained, and the aesthetic properties are enhanced over the years. This finish enables products to be used for a long period of time by applying beeswax periodically for maintenance.

Handling

- If possible, do not set up furniture in places near heat-radiating devices and air-conditioner vents, as well as places exposed to direct sunlight (ultraviolet light), which could cause breakage and warpage of wood materials.
- Placing hot pots and wet glasses directly on this finish could generate stains. Use coasters, place mats, pot stands, etc.
- Wiping products with a wet cloth removes beeswax from their surfaces. If wiping them with a wet cloth frequently, increase the frequency of maintenance.
- After applying beeswax, wipe it off completely. Residual beeswax could generate oil stains on clothes, documents, and books.
- There are cases where beeswax for maintenance varies in hardness depending on the season and humidity, and its components are separated. If it is hard or its components are separated, double-boil and mix it with a paddle before use.
- Beeswax does not contain 25 specific allergic raw materials etc.
- Beeswax is completely additive-free and uses natural raw materials only. However, if it reaches the eyes or mouth by mistake or if any abnormality is observed on the skin etc., see a doctor and show the beeswax just to be safe.

Maintenance

Sand a product gently with abrasive paper (#240 to #320) with the wood grain.
Wipe off dirt and dust from its surfaces with a damp cloth that is tightly wrung out.
When the furniture surfaces become dry, apply an appropriate amount of beeswax onto a sponge and rub it with the wood grain.
Wipe off excessive beeswax from the furniture surfaces carefully with a soft cloth and polish them. In this case, wipe in a way such that beeswax is spread uniformly.

Furniture becomes available for use immediately after the application of beeswax. However, it is fixed more firmly a half or one day later.

Performing the procedures from one to four periodically (once a month during normal period between April and November, and once a week during the dry period between December and March) enables beeswax to be fixed, and a more stable effect can be expected. In particular, performing maintenance frequently is recommended soon after purchase because it leads to the prevention of breakage and warpage of solid wood materials.

[Wood materials / Iron-water finish]

Characteristics

If iron contacts oak materials, it turns black as a result of a chemical reaction with tannin that is contained in wood materials. The iron-water finish takes advantage of this characteristic to turn oak materials black naturally. Unlike finishes that coat the surfaces with pigments and dyes, the iron-water finish is characterized by an expressive appearance that enables the texture of the wood grain to be sensed. Although iron water is generally used as a stain for clothes and fibers, we uniquely developed it as a finish material for furniture. As the tannin content varies among oak materials, their colors are different among them. In addition, the black color becomes thinner gradually across the ages. Finish with beeswax after applying iron water.

Handling

- Prevent acidic liquids from adhering to the product surfaces. Highly acidic liquids, such as lemon and lime, could cause a change in color and discoloration.
- If possible, do not set up furniture in places near heat-radiating devices and air-conditioner vents, as well as places exposed to direct sunlight (ultraviolet light), which could cause breakage and warpage of wood materials.
- Placing hot pots and wet glasses directly on this finish could generate stains. Use coasters, place mats, pot stands, etc.
- Those who have a metallic allergy may experience an allergic reaction.
- Iron water may give off a distinct smell. If the smell is strong, ventilate the room, such as by opening the windows. It decreases over time.
- Beeswax is applied to the product surfaces as the final finish. Wiping products with a wet cloth gradually removes beeswax from their surfaces. If wiping them with a wet cloth frequently, increase the frequency of maintenance.

Maintenance

Wipe off dirt and dust from the product surfaces with a damp cloth that is tightly wrung out.
When the furniture surfaces become dry, apply an appropriate amount of wax onto a sponge and rub it with the wood grain.
Wipe off excessive wax from the furniture surfaces carefully with a soft cloth and polish them. In this case, wipe in a way such that beeswax is spread uniformly.

Furniture becomes available for use immediately after the application of beeswax. However, it is fixed more firmly a half or one day later.

Performing the procedures from one to three periodically (once a month during the normal period between April and November, and once a week during the dry period between December and March) enables beeswax to be fixed, and a more stable effect can be expected. In particular, performing maintenance frequently is recommended soon after purchase because it leads to the prevention of breakage and warpage of solid wood materials.

If the surfaces are sanded strongly with sandpaper, the wooden parts that turned black are also sanded and their bases appear. If the surfaces are fuzzy, use fine sandpaper of #400 or higher to sand the surfaces gently and then apply beeswax to finish up.

[Wood materials / Soap finish]

Characteristics

A soap finish, whose main component is soap, is a secure and safe finish made from natural materials. Unlike oil and wax finishes, this material prevents wood materials from turning a wet color and maintains the original texture. It has a comfortable and dry feel. As the fatty ingredient of soap penetrates into the wood surfaces to facilitate the removal of stains, and no harmful chemicals that promote drying are contained at all, this safe finish material can be used in homes with children. This finish does not prevent breakage or warpage of wood materials nor the adhesion of dirt or fingermarks.

Handling

- If possible, do not set up furniture in places near heat-radiating devices and air-conditioner vents, as well as places exposed to direct sunlight (ultraviolet light), which could cause breakage and warpage of wood materials.
- This finish cannot prevent adhesion of dirt completely. If dirt and fingerprints adhere to the surfaces, perform maintenance (Recommendation: Use liquid C of WENNEX).
- As this finish is less water repelling than other finishes, wiping the surfaces with a damp cloth may make them fuzzy or rough. In such a case, sand them with sandpaper and apply liquids A and B in turn. Basically, wiping with a dry cloth rather than a damp cloth is recommended.

Maintenance

[Recommended products] WENNEX Soap Finish (Liquids A, B, and C)

Use liquid C for the surfaces with dirt. Wash off the dirt using a sponge into which a sufficient amount of liquid C is absorbed. Sponge liquid C remaining on the surfaces.
Sand the surfaces with sandpaper (#180) in advance to prepare the surfaces. Remove sanding dust with a clean waste cloth.
Apply liquid A to the surfaces with a sponge or brush. Liquid A contains detergent components that are the bases for the soap coating. As puddles of the liquid generate stains, wipe off any excess liquid carefully with a waste cloth. After letting the liquid dry for approximately two hours, remove the fuzz from the surfaces with sandpaper (#400) and wipe off the sanding dust completely.
Finally, apply liquids A and B in the same manner. Liquid B contains oil components for the finish. As puddles of the liquids generate stains, wipe off any excess liquids carefully with a waste cloth. After letting them dry for approximately two hours, remove the fuzz from the surfaces with sandpaper (#1000) and wipe off the sanding dust completely.

- Remove dust using brushes, adhesive cleaners, vacuum cleaners, etc.
- For tough stains, using dedicated cleaners is recommended.

[Leathers]

Characteristics

As high-quality leathers with the grain side (a layer on the leather surface consisting of collagen fibers) are used, the texture and feel that are unique to leathers can be felt. They are domestic leathers that are finished carefully one by one. They are also characterized by scratches and wrinkles from the cow bodies on the surfaces, which are called natural marks specific to natural leathers.

Embossed leather: This is a leather made by coating with pigments and embossing. As the coating film is thick, this leather has superior light resistance and is less likely to fade in color.
Smooth leather: This is a leather made by coating with pigments. As the coating film is thick, this leather has superior light resistance and is less likely to fade in color.
Vegetable tanned leather: This is a leather finished only with dyes. As no top coating film is formed, the texture, feel, and transparency that are unique to leathers can be enjoyed. Although the colors of dyes are lost gradually, the leather becomes darker in color and richer in texture. You can enjoy the variations of this leather across the ages.

Handling

- Water and oils (such as foods, drinks, hand creams, and hairdressing products) may generate stains if they contact the products. In such a case, wipe off immediately.
- Leathers may be faded in color or discolored by ultraviolet rays. If possible, do not set up products in places that are exposed to direct sunlight (ultraviolet rays) as much as possible.
- Alcohols, chemicals, etc. corrode coating films, resulting in cracks and delamination of the coating films. Avoid them and keep from adhering to products.
- Avoid wiping products with a damp cloth as much as possible because it could cause stains or cracks.
- Leathers stretch with use. Note in advance that they may stretch significantly, depending on the types of finish and parts.

Maintenance

Embossed and smooth leathers

- Wipe with a soft dry cloth. If stains are noticeable, using the leather cleaner, foruph, is recommended.
- As the product surfaces are coated with coating films, maintenance oils for leathers do not penetrate. Avoid the use of such oils.

Vegetable tanned leather

- Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Each time water or oils contact the products, wipe off immediately.
- To retain the moisture of leathers, maintain about once every one or two years with dedicated oils for furniture leathers. Note in advance that using such oils may darken the color and cause color unevenness. As applying too much oil tends to stretch leathers and cause fading in color, be sure to use an appropriate amount. Avoid using oils for shoes because they could cause problems.

[Metals / Brass]

Characteristics

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Across the ages, the surface becomes oxidized and gradually turns amber or black.

Brass polish finish: The surface is polished to a mirror gloss to express the materials’ unique beauty. No finish coating is applied.
Brass black oxide finish: A black oxide liquid is applied to the brass surfaces to turn them black through a chemical reaction.
Brass urethane finish: The surfaces are polished to a mirror gloss, and a urethane coating is applied to prevent oxidation.
Brass satin finish: The surfaces are polished like satin (matt), and a lacquer coating is applied to prevent oxidation.

Handling

- Brass reacts with sweat, sebum, and the moisture content in the air to get oxidized and turn black. Wipe off sweat and sebum frequently and avoid setting up products in humid places as much as possible.
- Black rust is also generated on products with a urethane or satin finish if the coating film is deteriorated by scratches on their surfaces or ultraviolet rays.
- Avoid setting up products in places that are exposed to direct sunlight (ultraviolet rays) as much as possible.

Maintenance

- Wipe with a soft damp cloth that is tightly wrung out and then wipe with a dry cloth to remove all water droplets.
- If black rust or green copper rust generated on products with a brass polish finish (uncoated) is noticeable, wipe off using commercially available abrasives for metals. Do not use abrasives on the surfaces of products with black oxide, urethane, and satin finishes because the coating film and texture are deteriorated.

[Metals / Bronze]

Characteristics

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin. Across the ages, the surface becomes oxidized and gradually turns amber or black.

Bronze satin finish: The surfaces are polished like satin (matt), and a lacquer coating is applied to prevent oxidation.
Black oxide finish: A black oxide liquid is applied to the bronze surfaces to turn them black through a chemical reaction.

Handling

- Bronze reacts with sweat, sebum, and the moisture content in the air to get oxidized and turn black if the coating films are deteriorated by scratches on the surfaces or ultraviolet rays. Wipe off the sweat and sebum frequently and avoid setting up products in humid places as much as possible.
- Note in advance that pinholes (small holes) may be generated on the surfaces during the sand-casting manufacturing process.
- Products with a black oxide finish react with acids. Pay attention to prevent acid liquids from contacting them.
- Avoid setting up products in places that are exposed to direct sunlight (ultraviolet rays) as much as possible.

Maintenance

- Wipe with a soft damp cloth that is tightly wrung out and then wipe with a dry cloth to remove all water droplets.
- Do not use abrasives because the coating film and texture are deteriorated.

[Gold and silver foils]

Characteristics

Foils are made by hitting gold or silver to roll into a thin film with a thickness of twenty or thirty-thousandths of a millimeter and are one of the valuable traditional Japanese crafts. They are used for decorating not only furniture, doors, windows, and lacquerware but also Buddhist statues and works of art for Buddhist altars.

Handling

- As foils are very delicate and damaged easily, do not scratch or hit them with something.
- Do not apply adhesive tapes and stickers, or the foils may come off.
- When moving cabinets, wear gloves made of soft cotton cloth or hold them with the bare hands without wearing nonslip work gloves because the foils may come off.
- Foils are applied using Japanese lacquer. As lacquer is deteriorated gradually by ultraviolet rays, do not set up products in places that are exposed to direct sunlight (ultraviolet rays).

Maintenance

- Wipe with a soft damp cloth that is tightly wrung out and then wipe with a dry cloth to remove all water droplets.

[Metals / Aluminum]

Handling

Alumite finish: The surface may be scratched or dented if it is rubbed or hit with something hard. When using ceramic ware on a table made of aluminum, using coasters or mats is recommended. In addition, it gradually fades in color or discolors because of ultraviolet rays. If possible, do not set up products in places that are exposed to direct sunlight (ultraviolet rays).

[Mirrors]

Handling

Do not leave products with water adhered to them for a long time because they could cause corrosion.
Do not use detergents etc. on specially treated mirrors.

Maintenance

To remove dirt, lightly wipe off with a soft, clean cloth. If the dirt is tough, wipe off with a cloth that is moistened with water, detergent for glass, or diluted neutral detergent. After that, wipe with a dry cloth to remove all detergent components and water droplets.

[Glass - furniture]

Handling

Be sure to wipe off water and use in the dry state, or it could cause corrosion.

Maintenance

[Porcelainware and Ceramicware]

Porcelains are made from fine-grained clay and do not absorb water due to their hard finish. In comparison, ceramics are made from coarse clay, and absorb water because of their porous finish.

Both types of dishes are dishwasher safe. Please take care when placing them in the dishwasher to prevent them from touching each other. We recommend that you prewash ceramics carefully to prevent residues from getting into the material. Although it is safe to use these dishes in the microwave, sudden temperature changes may occur cracks. This is particularly true for ceramics, which contain moisture that causes the temperature to raise quickly from within, increasing the possible damage. Neither type of dish is oven-safe, nor should they be placed directly on the stove. In addition, please be careful not to pour cold water over hot porcelain or ceramic dishes, as this may result in damage.

[Before using ceramicware]

Ceramics made of rough clay easily absorb soup and oil, which may cause stains and unpleasant odors. Please follow these instructions to prevent this. Prior to initial use, pour enough water to cover the dishes in a pot. Add a spoon of flour to the mix, and put your dishes into the pot. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. The gaps between the clay particles are filled with the starchy material, preventing the dish from becoming stained and smelly. Let the dishes cool naturally in the pot, then wash and let them dry well. In addition, soak ceramic dishes in water for 5 to 10 minutes prior to arranging food on them. Take care not to leave your dishes in water after use; wash them as soon as possible, and let them dry completely before storing.

Although they require extra care, the best thing about Japanese ceramics is the way they gradually change to reflect their use.

[Silvered Porcelainware]

Sulfide reaction causes discoloration in silvered porcelain dishes when they are exposed to air. If darkening is noticeable, polish your dishes with silver polish paste or paste baking soda with water, and a soft cloth, to restore the original shine. However, be careful not to over-polish them, as the layers of silver overlay may break and reveal the white porcelain underneath. For storage, place them in paper or cellophane to avoid exposure to air and prevent discoloration.

After each use, use mild detergent on a soft sponge to wash your dishes as you would with regular ceramics. Avoid using bleach or aggressive detergents, and do not wash them in the dishwasher. Please also avoid heating them in the microwave or the oven, as this may cause dark discoloration and sparks.

[Inban]

lnban is a printing technique that has been in use since the mid-19th century. A sheet of paper that has the pattern printed onto it is put on unglazed porcelain. The print is then transferred onto the surface by rubbing it in with a wet brush. Because craftsmen do all the work by hand, misprinted patterns with gaps, or bleeding and broken lines, may occur. This results in the uniqueness of each item, and the uneven, handmade look of the print is what makes the In ban printing method fascinating. Although today this time-consuming technique is gradually disappearing from the porcelain industry, this products are still made by using this traditional method.

[Glassware]

Our glassware is not heat resistant and may break when exposed to sudden temperature changes. Do not pour hot drinks into them. Please also avoid pouring cold drinks into your glassware items right after washing them with warm water. We recommend that you avoid washing them in the dishwasher, as hot or high pressure water may cause glassware damage or cloudiness, depending on the type of detergent. Our glassware is not microwave-safe or oven-safe. Be careful not to stack your glassware items unless they are of a stackable type, as stacking may cause glassware to become stuck and break. Layer a cloth or paper between the items if you need to stack them.

Please be careful not to allow small children to touch thin glass products directly with their mouths.

[Japanese Lacquerware]

Wash lacquerware using a mild soap, as you would do with glassware or ceramics. Please avoid using aggressive detergents, polishing sponges, or scrubbers; use a soft sponge or cloth instead. After washing, we recom mend that you use a soft dishcloth to remove any moisture immediately. Wiping your lacquerware carefully polishes the surface and adds a shine that deepens gradually. Be careful not to stack lacquerware dishes together with ceramics and other hard-surfaced products when washing or storing to avoid scratches. Lacquerware does not respond well to sudden dryness, temperature changes, and UV-rays. Do not place your dishes under direct sunlight for many hours, and avoid placing them in the refrigerator,dishwasher,microwave,or oven. Leaving lacquerware dishes soaked in water or suddenly pouring hot water into them may cause peeling of the coating, discoloration, and deformed wood.

Regarding new Shunkei-wares, oil contained in the lacquer may bleed over on the surface. It can be washed out, so there the dishes can be used normally. Don't worry; this will subside in about one year after lacquer application.

[Cypress]

Natural wood is always breathing, even after being crafted into products. For this reason, you may see resin bleeding from non-coated Japanese cypress products. This resin has an antibacterial effect and prevents bacteria growth while adding natural shine to the wood by forming a film that increases the durability of the products. Although the resin is harmless, you can use sandpaper to lightly sand the surface and remove stickiness, or wipe it with ethanol or alcohol to keep it clean.

[Towel]

As color fading may occur in the first several washes, we recommend that you do not wash together with other items, or leave it lying around while it's still wet.

In addition, we recommend that you use lint removal nets or lint filters to prevent slight shedding in the wash. Do not use chlorine detergent or bleach. Be careful not to dry under direct sunlight for long periods as this may cause the fibers to harden. If pilling occurs, cut the pills at the base.

User’s guide

<<Usage Notes for Furniture>>

[Chairs and sofas]

[Table]

[Cabinets]

[Beds]

[Lighting instruments]

[Hanging lights / Standing lights]

[Hanging lights]

[Standing lights]

[Other furniture]

[Precautions common to all products]

<<Handling precautions for respective types of materials>>

[Wood materials / Beeswax finish]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Wood materials / Iron-water finish]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Wood materials / Soap finish]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Wood materials / Urethane coating finish]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Wood materials / Urethane mirror finish]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Fabrics]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Leathers]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Metals / Brass]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Metals / Bronze]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Gold and silver foils]

Characteristics

Handling

Maintenance

[Metals / Aluminum]

Handling

Maintenance

Repair service

[Metals / Steal coating]

Handling

Maintenance

[Stainless steal and Plating]

Handling

Maintenance

[Japanese paper]

Handling

Maintenance

[Cedar and pine / Uncoated]

Handling

Maintenance

[Acrylics and resins]

Handling

Maintenance

[Rattan]

Handling

Maintenance

[Ceramics - furniture]

Handling

Maintenance

[FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics)]

Handling