Frequently Asked QuestionsOur Products
We curate a collection of high-end, artisanal Japanese home goods for those who appreciate
quality, craftsmanship, and authentic Japanese culture. Our selection includes:
- Artisan Works: Authentic pieces from renowned Japanese brands and individual artists,
ensuring each item tells a unique story. - Ceramics: Sourced from renowned Japanese pottery regions with centuries of tradition,
including Mino (known for diverse glazing techniques), Shigaraki (famous for natural, earthy
tones), Kutani (celebrated for vibrant overglaze painting), Tokoname (one of Japan's six
ancient kilns), Hasami (known for practical, everyday ceramics), and Arita (birthplace of
Japanese porcelain). Our ceramics are not just functional pieces, but true works of art. - Japanese Figurines: Popular pieces such as Maneki-Neko (Lucky Cats) and Daruma Dolls,
perfect for housewarming gifts, business openings, or home decoration. - Vases & Ikebana Containers: Specializing in Wabi-Sabi style vases and flower arrangement
containers, beloved by interior designers and florists.
We are committed to authenticity and quality. The majority of our products are sourced directly
from Japan from traditional craftsmen and established pottery regions. While most items are
made in Japan, we also carry select pieces from Japanese brands that are manufactured abroad
under strict quality control. Each product page clearly indicates its origin.
Many of our artisan pieces are produced in small batches, making them naturally limited. We
regularly introduce new collections and retire others, so we recommend purchasing items you
love when you see them. Our most popular pieces may sell out and take time to restock.
We work directly with Japanese artisans, authorized distributors, and established pottery
cooperatives. All our products are carefully selected for their quality and authenticity.
Product Care & Safety
Yes. All our ceramics are manufactured using traditional Japanese pottery techniques that have
been used safely for centuries. Our products are suitable for food and beverage use when cared
for properly.
To ensure your ceramics last for generations, follow these care tips:
- Daily Cleaning: Hand wash with a soft sponge and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that
could damage glazes or intricate details. - Dishwasher Use: While many items are dishwasher-safe, we recommend hand washing for
longevity, especially for pieces with gold accents or delicate designs. - Microwave Safety: Most pieces are microwave-safe, but avoid microwaving items with
metallic accents. - First Use: For unglazed or porous items, soak in lukewarm water for 10-15 minutes before
first use to prevent stains and odors. - Storage: Store carefully with soft padding between stacked pieces. Avoid extreme
temperature changes.
Returns & Customer Service
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for items in original condition. Due to the artisanal
nature of our products, we carefully inspect each return. Customers are responsible for return
shipping costs unless the item was damaged during transit. Custom or personalized items cannot
be returned.
Live Chat: Available on our website Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 6 PM EST
Email: info@greatzakka.com (we respond within 24 hours)
Phone: +1 516-986-7898
Business & Wholesale
Yes, we offer wholesale pricing for businesses, restaurants, hotels, and design professionals. We
also provide special group pricing for events such as weddings, baby showers, corporate gifting,
housewarming parties, and other celebrations where you need multiple pieces as gifts or favors.
Minimum order quantities apply.
Please fill out our wholesale inquiry form on the website, and our team will contact you with
pricing and terms. You can also visit our physical store in Great Neck, New York.
For business customers who need to place larger orders or pick up inventory, we also have a
warehouse facility at 40 Cain Dr, Brentwood, NY 11717 - this location is open to business
customers only and requires advance appointment.
Cultural & Educational Questions
Maneki-Neko (招き猫) is a traditional Japanese "beckoning cat" figurine believed to bring good
luck, fortune, and prosperity. Different colored cats and paw positions have specific meanings -
making them thoughtful gifts for new businesses, homes, or anyone seeking good fortune.
Daruma dolls are traditional Japanese wish dolls based on Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen
Buddhism. You color in one eye when setting a goal and the other when achieving it. They
symbolize perseverance and good luck in reaching your dreams.
Wabi-Sabi (侘寂) is a fundamental Japanese aesthetic philosophy centered on finding beauty in
imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness. Our Wabi-Sabi inspired products celebrate
natural textures, organic shapes, subtle glazes, and the unique charm of handmade artistry -
each piece telling its own story through gentle irregularities.
Matcha bowls, or chawan (茶碗), are specially designed ceramic bowls used in the Japanese
tea ceremony for preparing and drinking matcha. The shape, size, and texture are carefully
crafted to enhance the whisking of matcha powder and provide the perfect drinking experience.
Each bowl is a unique piece of art that embodies the philosophy of wabi-sabi and the meditative
spirit of tea ceremony.
Chawanmushi (茶碗蒸し) is a savory Japanese steamed egg custard dish, and it requires a
special lidded ceramic cup for preparation and serving. These delicate cups are designed to
withstand steaming while maintaining the perfect temperature and texture of the custard. The
lids help create the ideal steaming environment and make an elegant presentation.
Japanese tea ceremony ceramics (chanoyu pottery) represent the pinnacle of Japanese ceramic
artistry. Each piece is crafted to enhance the spiritual and aesthetic experience of tea
preparation. The irregular shapes, subtle glazes, and unique textures are intentionally designed
to embody the tea ceremony principles of harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and
tranquility (jaku).
Japanese ceramics often reflect the changing seasons through their colors, patterns, and motifs.
Using seasonally appropriate pieces is an important aspect of Japanese hospitality and aesthetic
appreciation. Spring pieces might feature cherry blossoms, summer pieces could have cooling
blue tones, autumn pieces showcase warm earth colors, and winter pieces emphasize simplicity
and warmth.
Japanese incense, or senko (線香), has been an integral part of Japanese culture for over 1,400
years. Originally brought from China through Buddhism, Japanese incense-making evolved into
its own refined art form. Unlike stick incense from other cultures, Japanese incense burns cleanly
without a bamboo core, creating pure, subtle fragrances.
Traditional Japanese incense serves multiple purposes: purifying spaces, enhancing meditation
and prayer, honoring ancestors at family altars (butsudan), and creating peaceful atmospheres
for tea ceremony or daily life. The burning of incense represents the impermanence of life and
helps cultivate mindfulness.
Japanese incense is renowned for its exceptional quality and subtle, sophisticated scents. Key
differences include:
- No bamboo core: Burns cleanly with pure fragrance and minimal smoke
- Natural ingredients: Made from precious woods like sandalwood, agarwood, and aromatic herbs
- Subtle fragrances: Designed to enhance rather than overpower a space
- Traditional craftsmanship: Many brands like Tokyo Kousaido blend centuries-old Kyoto
techniques with modern perfumery - Meditation focus: Created to promote tranquility and mindfulness rather than just pleasant
scents
Japanese incense is typically burned in special holders called koro (香炉) or simple ash-filled
bowls. Light the tip of the incense stick, let it catch fire briefly, then gently blow out the flame,
allowing it to smolder and release its fragrance. The burning time varies by length, usually 15-30
minutes per stick.
Handcrafted incense holders and burners are both functional and decorative pieces that safely
catch ash while adding aesthetic beauty to your space. Our collection features various styles
from different Japanese artisans - from traditional designs with classic motifs to contemporary
minimalist pieces that complement modern Japanese interior aesthetics. Browse our Incense &
Accessories category to discover the perfect holder or burner that matches your personal style
and home decor.
Have a question not answered here? Contact us via live chat or email - we're always happy to
help you learn more about our beautiful Japanese artisan products.