Plum Blossoms of Jiangnan | Copper Tea Scoop
The distinctive bronze and brown tones of SEKIMONO teaware are produced through skilled heat and surface oxidation treatments in Wuxi, Jiangsu, China. This treatment creates a delicate, non-uniform mineral coloration that deepens with use. Using standard metal cleaning methods designed for raw industrial copper will permanently strip this artisanal layer.
1. Why you must not use metal polish (e.g., Picoll)
Compound polishes used for cleaning raw copper products are agents that physically ab rade the surface to expose the bare metal. When used on tea utensils with artisanal coloring, however, the dark brown or gradient film created by the artisan will be worn away, causing the bare metal to appear in unsightly patches.
2. Chemical reaction risks of acidic components, vinegar, and fruit juice
Acidic components (vinegar, citric acid) and strong baking soda solutions react vigorously with the copper's colored film. Because these chemicals can dissolve or discolor the colored layer, please avoid using them on surface-colored copperware, even if they are known as "natural" cleaning agents.
3. Friction damage from melamine sponges or scouring pads
Melamine sponges and nylon scouring pads contain fine abrasive particles. Rubbing strongly will thin the colored film through friction, destroying its unique texture. Always use a cotton or microfiber cloth for wiping away dirt.
4. Safe care is limited to "soft cloth and lukewarm water" only
All SEKIMONO tea utensils are hand-finished and surface-colored in our Wuxi workshop. For daily care, simply follow our basic care guide: rinse with warm water and gently wipe with a soft cloth. We hope you enjoy the beauty of our lid rest collection, such as the Auspicious Lion｜Lid Rest and Kanjizai｜Tea Tray, for many years to come. For more context on how SEKIMONO uses copper across its tea accessories, see our guide to copper tea accessories.
5. The joy of observing patina (aging) over time
Hand-finished, surface-colored copperware is pre-adjusted by artisans to achieve a deep, rich hue. This colored film is not intended to be polished to a mirror finish with chemical agents; rather, it is meant to develop natural wear and depth through your daily tea sessions.
By avoiding excessive polishing and focusing on daily wiping, the texture of the underlying copper will gradually peek through at the edges, maturing into a very tasteful, vintage aesthetic. The secret to caring for surface-colored copperware is not to be overprotective, but to appreciate its natural evolution.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Handling surface-colored copperware
Q. What should I do if the color fades?
A. If you avoid excessive polishing, the colored film will naturally develop its own character over time. Please refrain from using metal polish.
Q. Can I clean it with vinegar or baking soda?
A. No. Acids and strong alkalis will dissolve the colored layer, so they must never be used on surface-colored copperware.
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