An Ode to Preserving Summer

For centuries, pickling has allowed us to bottle memories in oil and spice. While this tradition may be losing popularity, Ikai Asai has collaborated with local artisans to craft paraphernalia that will nudge us to come together and pickle once again. Preserve summers of past and present with our curated pickling kit featuring a Stoneware Jar, Wooden Mortar Pestle, Brass Spoon and Stoneware Serving Plate.

Note: 50% of the proceeds from this sale will be donated to the Raahat COVID initiative started by Goonj, a New Delhi based NGO. They’re working with 400+ partner organizations to offer ration kits, medical interventions, isolation centres and more. Visit goonj.org to learn more.

Details 

Craft Type:  Stoneware, Wood Work, Metal Work

While this tradition may be losing popularity, Ikai Asai has collaborated with local artisans to craft paraphernalia that will nudge us to come together and pickle once again. Through this kit, we hope you will be able to reminisce easier times, and long for new summers. Share your pickling experiences with #PreservingSummer

Made in:  India

Material:  Wood, Metal, Stone

Dimensions (cm):  Pickle Jar: Length: 11, Height: 11, Breadth: 17.5

Plate: Length: 12, Height: 12, Breadth: 2.5

Spoon: Length: 12.5, Height: 2.5, Breadth: 1

Mortar & Pestle: Length: 18, Height: 13, Breadth: 16

No. of pieces in a set:  4, one wooden mortar pestle, one brass spoon, one stoneware jar with lid and one stoneware plate. 

Care

Stoneware Pickle Jar & Plate

- Soak a soft sponge in tepid water, apply mild detergent and gently rub your vessel clean.

- Then wipe your stoneware dry with a clean cloth, this helps to retain its natural finish.

- Make sure to wash each vessel separately by hand. 

- Use only a soft cloth or tissue to clean your vessel dry.

- Make sure to put a cushion of tissue/cloth between each product while stacking.

- You can safely use these products to serve food and beverages.

-These vessels are microwave safe, so you can heat conveniently yet eat traditionally.

Wooden Mortar & Pestle

DO:

- Clean your vessels immediately after you use them.

- Soak a soft sponge in tepid water, apply mild dish soap and gently rub your vessel clean.

- On cleaning, dry the woodwork with a soft towel and let it sit out overnight to air-dry as well.

- Irrespective of your usage, you will need to do a monthly upkeep ritual to maintain the colour and shine of the wood. To do this, you’ll need a soft cloth and conditioning oil. After cleaning the woodwork, gently rub a liberal amount of conditioning oil onto all sides of the vessel. Make sure to get the sides and bottom of the vessel as well. Set the vessel on a towel to let the oil sink in for a few hours, then apply a second coat. Repeat, until the bowl doesn’t absorb any more oil. Then with a clean and soft cloth, gently rub off any oily residue left over. This process instantaneously restores the vessel’s original vibrancy and colour. 

DONT:

- Store the vessel in a cabinet without letting it fully dry to prevent swelling and cracks.

- Submerge the vessel in the water, to prevent swellings and cracks.

- Leave your vessel to soak or to dry naturally, lest it cracks or warps.

- Store your vessel in the fridge.

- Leave moist food in it for a long time or overnight.

- Use a dishwasher to wash or rinse the vessel. 

Brass Spoon

DO:

- Soak a soft sponge in tepid water, apply mild detergent and gently rub your vessel clean.

- Then wipe your metalware dry with a clean cloth, this helps to retain its natural finish.

DONT:

- Use a dishwasher to wash or rinse the vessel. 

- Use a microwave to heat food in your vessel.