A lid rest (futaoki) used in a Chinese tea service is a tool for temporarily placing the lid of a teapot or kyusu. Make it a habit to check for moisture transferred from the lid after use, and allow it to dry before storing. This article summarizes the care of SEKIMONO copper lid rests with surface coloring.
Check for water droplets after returning the lid
Once the tea service is finished, first return the lid to the teapot or kyusu. Check the top surface or indentation of the lid rest for any remaining water droplets and gently wipe them off with a soft cloth. Be mindful of the temperature when handling immediately after placing a hot lid on it.
Do not rub the design
Even when dealing with areas with small textures, do not use hard brushes or abrasive sponges. SEKIMONO copper lid rests are hand-finished and surface-colored. Please do not attempt to polish them with metal abrasives, and refer to the care instructions for surface-colored copperware.
Dry the bottom and the placement area before storage
Check that there is no moisture left not only on the top surface but also on the bottom and the tea cloth it was placed on. Do not wrap it while damp or stack it with other utensils where it might rub against them; store it in a dry place. If you are concerned about stubborn stains or changes in the finish, please contact us and include a photo.
Reconfirm compatibility with the lid before use
When using it after maintenance, check the shape of the lid you intend to place and the condition of the lid rest. The published dimensions of the One Thought are approximately Φ53 × H20 mm, but you cannot judge if it will fit every lid based on external dimensions alone.
For usage and points to confirm before purchase, please see How to Choose a Lid Rest, and for current works, see the list of copper lid rests.
