Preserving plastic food from Japan?

[Lina]

When I was in Kappabashi, Tokyo I got a bowl of plastic food--the kind you see in all the restaurant windows in Japan. I've been at a loss on how to best display it.

I remember that my dad had a plastic sundae in the house that basically got ruined when it got dusty because it wasn't washable with water.

Is there anything I can do to keep this amazing creation looking new or must it be displayed under glass? Any suggestions?

[dtremit]

An aerosol can of compressed air should be able to blow away the dust. Any office supply or computer store should carry it.

[salsailsa]

I have to laugh because I have always wanted to buy these myself but have never been anywhere where they were for sale.

The only thing I can suggest is maybe washing them on a semi regular basis. A toothbrush would probably help clean the dust out of the grooves. I think the combination grease/dust build-up is what ruins them.

Good luck (me, sitting here enviously of your plastic japanese food...)