Crafted by Time
Rooted in ancient slowness.
Quietly made for those who drink differently.
Handcrafted Urushi Drinking Gourd. Small Batch.
Museum collection
Blog
Why does a gourd with a natural lacquer inner coating need to be "broken in" (Kāi Hú)?
Natural lacquer is a sap collected from lacquer trees and applied to the inner wall of the gourd through traditional craftsmanship, forming a strong, waterproof, and heat-resistant protective layer. Although natural lacquer itself has excellent antibacterial, anti-mildew, and acid/alkali-resistant properties, a newly finished lacquered gourd may still retain slight odors from the lacquer or wood, or a mild astringent feel before the lacquer surface has fully settled. The purpose of "breaking in" (Kāi Hú) is not to activate the lacquer, but to use mild liquids (such as tea water, warm...
Why does a gourd with a natural lacquer inner coating need to be "broken in" (Kāi Hú)?
Why does a gourd with a natural lacquer inner coating need to be "broken in" (Kāi Hú)?
First-time use preparation about urushi gourd
Using lemon slices or tea leaves to break in the gourd: Bring water and lemon slices or tea leaves to a boil, then let it cool to warm water. Pour the warm water into the gourd, filling it about 80–90% full, and leave the lid off. Let it sit and soak continuously, changing the tea water every day (fill in the morning, replace in the evening). Repeat this process of pouring out and replacing the water for four days to complete the break-in process.(The purpose of breaking in the gourd...