When we got married I was looking for nice lacquered soup bowls. And after a long research I finally found a bowl which I kind of liked it. I went to the shop to see the actual bowl but they didn't have stock! I couldn't wait any longer and I ordered 6 bowls online without seeing them. The bowls I received looked nice, good shape. But it stank! The new lacquered tableware usually have peculiar smell but it wasn't like that. It smelled like soap or something. Anyway, I tried traditional ways of get rid of lacquered smell, soaking the bowls in the weak vinegered water for a while (don't do this for expensive lacquered ware!) or leaving them in a rice storage box. But it still smells bad when I pour something hot. I mean soup. Sadly my husband refused to use it! I also don't like about their stupid dark wood grain on all bowls. I guess it's too late to return them for a refund now. I enjoy internet shopping but it doesn't go well sometimes. Very disappointed.