Caring for Japanese Works of Art: A Guide by Material

Every material ages in its own way, and the most useful care is usually the least. This overview gathers the main points from our individual guides. Please follow the links for detail, and when in doubt, leave the piece as it is.

Ceramics

Physical force (knocks, drops, careless lifting) is the main risk to ceramics. Lift with both hands from below, never by a handle, spout or rim, and take off a lid before moving the body. Old repairs can be weaker than they look, and some are hidden. Keep pieces away from heaters and sudden temperature changes. A soft, dry brush is enough for dust. → Caring for Japanese Ceramics (01)

Lacquer (urushi)

Lacquer is sensitive to light and to changes in humidity. Keep it out of direct sun, brush off dust gently (dust is abrasive), and do not use household polishes or soak it in water. Light-damaged lacquer can become vulnerable to water before any change is visible. → Caring for Japanese Lacquerware (02)

Iron and iron kettles (tetsubin)

Iron rusts in damp conditions and is marked by bare skin. Keep iron objects dry and handle them with clean gloves. An antique or decorative kettle should not be assumed to be suitable for boiling water or drinking. If you are unsure about its condition, please seek advice from a qualified specialist before any use. → Caring for Iron Kettles and Iron Objects (03)

Copper and bronze

The patina on East Asian bronzes is valued and should never be polished; polishing removes surface metal and fine detail. Handle with gloves, since fingerprints can mark metal. Bright green or blue-green spots may signal active corrosion and are best shown to a conservator. → Caring for Copper and Bronze Metalwork (04)

Woodblock prints and hanging scrolls

Light damage to paper and pigments is cumulative and irreversible. Display at low light, never in direct sun, and rest works between displays. Frame prints so that they never touch the glass. Roll scrolls slowly, with even, moderate tension, on a clean flat surface. → Caring for Woodblock Prints and Hanging Scrolls (05)

Bamboo baskets

Bamboo is sensitive to dryness, damp and light. Keep baskets away from heaters and direct sun, do not seal them in plastic, and lift them from below rather than by the handle. → Caring for Bamboo Baskets (06)

Hands and gloves

Conservation advice differs by material. For ceramics, conservation guidance prefers clean, dry hands, because gloves can reduce grip on smooth surfaces; the same approach is often taken with lacquer. For metals, gloves are recommended, as skin oils can mark the surface; nitrile gloves are a good choice, and cotton gloves should be clean.

When to ask a professional

For a valuable or damaged piece, cleaning, repair or any treatment is best left to a professional conservator who specialises in the material.