These small vessels were cut from the same board of katsura wood. Turned and sanded on the inside, carved and textured on the outside. Each piece has been coated with sumi ink followed by an extremely durable and food-safe finish coat of liquid glass finish.
About the liquid glass finish –
The wood has been saturated with multiple coats of an extremely durable and water resistant finish commonly used here in Japan on wooden table wares. The finish, composed of silicon molecules in a solvent, soaks into the wood and bonds to the woods fibers at a molecular level producing a coating that protects the wood from stains and water penetration. It does not leave a film on the wood surface, producing a very minimal finish that lets the woods grain and carved texture maintain a very natural appearance. The finish has been thoroughly tested and approved as a food-safe finish here in Japan, and is used on everything from soup bowls, cups, and plates to full size pieces of furniture.
Care Notes –
For washing, a mild soap with rag or sponge can be used to clean the bowl, followed by rinsing and drying with a clean towel.
