FAQ

Product Care

– For product care and maintenance, please see our Care Advice.

Product Quality

Q: Why can we bend NOUSAKU’s tin items?
Q: Does pure tin item break if we bend?
Q: Does pure tin have toxic effects?
Q: What is the benefits using a Tin cup to drink alcohol?
Q: Does pure tin corrode, or tarnish?
Q: What is the white mark on the surface of tin items?
Q: Does Brass corrode?
Q: What are the small marks on the surface of brass items?
Q: Are all the sounds of wind chime the same?
Q: How do I use moss container without moss?

Product repair

– For repair, please contact us directly;sales[AT]nousaku.co.jp

Others

– Q: Do you offer a foundry tour?
– Q: Where can I buy NOUSAKU items outside Japan?

Product Quality

Q: Why can we bend NOUSAKU’s tin items?

Because it is made of 100% pure tin which has high malleability and is easily bent or stretched by hand.

Q: Does pure tin item break if we bend?

When you repeatedly bend on the same point, it will eventually tear apart due to the metal fatigue. In addition, please be advised that the item will not perfectly return to its original shape once stretched.

Q: Does pure tin have toxic effects?

– As it is not alloyed, pure tin is hygienic and NOUSAKU’s tin wares clear the Japanese Food Sanitation Act. Moreover, we have developed medical devices, taking advantage of the high antibacterial property of pure tin.

Q: What is the benefits using a Tin cup to drink alcohol?

– It has been said that tin enhances the flavor of Sake since the old days in Japan. Tin cup makes young red wine richer and mellower, beer head much creamier by the rough surface from the mold.

Q: Does pure tin corrode, or tarnish?

– Pure tin is resistant to corrosion and does not easily tarnish like silver. Same as any other materials such as porcelain, wood, cloth, tin wares will change its tone and texture as used.

Q: What is the white mark on the surface of tin items?

– It is one of the casting characteristics and occurred by the change of the temperature during the process.

Q: Does Brass corrode?

– Brass is resistant to corrosion when treated properly and you can enjoy the great patina as time passes.

Q: What are the small marks on the surface of brass items?

– It is one of the casting characteristics called pinhole, and occurred when it cooled and solidified.

Q: Are all the sounds of wind chime the same?

– Every wind chime has different sound even in the same design as every piece is handfinished by craftsmen. The sound is slightly different one by one according to the shape and the thickness.

Q: How do I use moss container without moss?

– It can be used as a small container to put anything such as keys, accessories and paper clips.

Others

Q: Do you offer a foundry tour?

– We are open to visitors from one person to group tour. Please see our Factory Tour page for details.

Q: Where can I buy NOUSAKU items outside Japan?

– Please see our Retailer List to find a shop nearby. If you can not find,
Please contact us; sales[at sign]nousaku.co.jp

Care Advice

For tin items

– Wash with a mild detergent using a soft sponge.
– Polish with a common metal polisher, tooth paste, or pasty baking soda to restore the shine.
– Any abrasive materials, wire wool or brushes should not be used as surfaces may be scratched.
– Do not put an item over a fire nor use it in microwave as the melting point is low.
– Refrain from storing in the refrigerator more than 30 minutes or in the freezer to avoid deterioration of the material.
– Not suitable for use in dishwashing or drying machines.
– Excessive bending and changing shapes may lead to cracks and breakage of the item.

For items with gold leaf

– Do not change the shape or leave an item in water, and be sure to dry it well after use, as gold leaf may flake off.

For brass items

– Wipe with a soft cloth after use.
– Do not use brushes or metal polishers as the surface may be damaged.

For flower vases & moss planters

– To avoid patina, wipe off water drops on a moss planter after watering.
– Never put cut flower preservatives in vases as this may cause discoloring.

For wind chimes

– Wipe with a soft cloth after use.
– Do not use brushes or metal polishers.
– Although clear coating is applied on items, the color may slightly change over the years.
– The slip for catching wind is made of Japanese paper which is water resistant but not waterproof. It is recommended to place wind chimes indoors when the wind blows strongly.