FAQ
About Our Products
Q. What kind of products does ZENBIOPHILIA offer?
ZENBIOPHILIA is rooted in Heritage Renewal Crafts: the practice of restoring and thoughtfully reimagining antique everyday objects, traditional craft pieces, and folk craft objects found across Japan for contemporary interiors in harmony with plants and natural materials. Every piece carries the history of real use and the passage of time. Many of our products are one-of-a-kind works that can never be exactly reproduced.
Q. What does "Heritage Renewal Crafts" mean?
Heritage Renewal Crafts is the guiding philosophy of ZENBIOPHILIA: creating something new by renewing what has come before. Drawing on ZEN (the aesthetics of stillness and space), BIOPHILIA (a deep affinity with nature), and Reborn Japan (the renewal of Japanese cultural heritage), we give new life to overlooked materials and craft traditions, bringing them into interior spaces around the world.
Q. Are all products one-of-a-kind?
We carry both one-of-a-kind works β made from antiques, traditional craft objects, and related materials β and products available in multiple quantities. Please check each product page to see whether an item is a unique piece. One-of-a-kind works cannot be reproduced, and each piece will differ in patina, character, color, texture, and form.
Q. What should I know about the condition of antiques and traditional craft objects?
Our products are made from aged antiques and craft objects. Each piece may show signs of use over time, along with traces of repair and natural variation β differences in tone, surface texture, crazing, firing marks, and similar features. We see these as expressions of patina, character, and history, not as defects. Please review the product description and photographs carefully before purchasing.
About Plants, Vessels & Interior Works
Q. Are the plants shown in product photos included with the item?
Our product and promotional photographs often show items placed in spaces with plants to illustrate how they live in a home environment. Plants are not included with our products as standard. If a plant is included with a specific item, this will be clearly stated on that product page. Please check the product page before purchasing.
Q. Will you sell products that include plants in the future?
We may offer items that include live plants in the future, once reliable quality control, supply, inspection, and delivery arrangements are in place. This has not yet been confirmed. We will announce any updates on the relevant product pages and in our news section when the time comes.
Q. Could the item I receive look different from the photos?
For one-of-a-kind works, the product page photographs show the exact item you will receive. However, angles and details not shown in the photos β such as the back or sides β are available on request before purchase. Colors may also appear slightly different depending on your screen settings or lighting conditions.
Q. Are cracks, color variations, or crazing on vessels and ceramics considered defects?
No. Features such as color variation, crazing, surface irregularities, firing marks, and signs of repair are expressions of each object's patina, character, and history β not defects. At ZENBIOPHILIA, these qualities are part of what makes each work valuable. They are described and shown in the photographs on each product page.
Domestic Shipping (Japan)
Q. How does domestic shipping work?
We arrange shipping via our designated carriers based on the item's size, weight, and destination. Shipping fees and delivery methods are shown on the product page or at checkout. For oversized items or those requiring special handling, we will contact you separately to confirm arrangements.
Q. How long does shipping take?
We aim to dispatch within 3β7 business days of order confirmation. This may vary depending on the item's condition and packaging requirements. Delivery time after dispatch will depend on your location and current shipping conditions.
Q. How are items packaged?
Antiques and craft objects are often delicate by nature. Each item is carefully packaged to prevent damage in transit. If you suspect damage upon arrival, please contact us within 3 days of receipt and include photographs of the outer packaging, inner packaging, and the item itself.
International Shipping
Q. Do you ship internationally?
Yes, for antiques, traditional craft objects, and interior works that do not include plants. International orders are handled on a quote basis, as shipping fees and methods vary by destination, item size, and weight. Please contact us via our inquiry form before purchasing.
Items that include live plants are not currently eligible for international shipping. Plant quarantine requirements, import regulations, and shipping restrictions make international delivery of plant material unavailable at this time.
Q. What about customs duties and import taxes?
Customs duties, import taxes, and customs handling fees may apply depending on the destination country. These charges are the buyer's responsibility and are not included in the item price or shipping fee. Please check with your local customs authority for details before ordering.
Returns & Cancellations
Q. Can I return or exchange an item?
Returns and exchanges for change-of-mind reasons are not accepted, due to the nature of antique and one-of-a-kind works. If an item is materially different from its description, or if transit damage is suspected, please contact us promptly upon receipt. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy for full terms.
Q. Can I cancel my order?
Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the scheduled dispatch date. Once packing has begun or the item has been dispatched, cancellations cannot be accepted. See our Refund & Cancellation Policy for full terms.
Contact
Q. How can I get in touch?
Please use our contact form. We aim to respond within 2β3 business days. Where needed, we will follow up with further contact details.
Q. Can I check stock availability or request a hold on an item?
For one-of-a-kind works, please contact us via the inquiry form to ask about availability or request a hold. We will respond individually based on the item.
Care & Handling
Q. How should I care for antiques and traditional craft objects?
Care requirements vary by material. As a general rule, wipe with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid moisture, direct sunlight, high heat, high humidity, and strong impact. Material-specific care notes are included on each product page β please read them before use.