Nakagawa

Shigaraki Flat Earthenware Pot - Large

CHF 172.00
CHF 172.00
Tax included.

A 'Vessel-Like' Clay Pot That Enhances the Shared Dining Experience

We've created a clay pot that resembles a traditional serving vessel, eliminating the interior ridge and widening the opening. When the lid is removed, ingredients are dramatically visible, creating an impressive dining presentation.

The improved visibility naturally encourages diners to reach for the food, bringing people together around the pot. This clay pot bridges the distance between people and cuisine. The large size serves 3-5 people. With its versatile appearance that complements various dishes, it can be used for much more than just hot pot meals.

Colour:
Size/Specs

Material: Heat Resistant Ceramic

Weight: Approx. 2,391g, Lid: 1,204g

Capacigy: 2500cc

Diameter: 33.0cm

Height: 16cm

Handling Precautions

Donabe (clay pots) are tools made one by one by artisans using natural soil from the mountains. They have different properties than metal pots, so we would like to share some precautions and handling methods. At first, you might need to be a bit careful when using them, but with practice, everything becomes simple. Understanding these points will help you enjoy your pot for many years to come.

Important Precautions
※Rapid heating or cooling may cause the pot to crack due to sudden temperature changes.
※Clay pots have the property of storing heat, so they become very hot during use. Please be careful to avoid burns and scorching your table.
※Depending on usage, colors may remain in the crazing, but this is a natural characteristic of clay pots.
※Can be used in microwave, oven, and on direct flame.

A Wide-Mouthed Design That Showcases Food Beautifully

The outward-flaring shape makes the contents more visible, creating a form that truly comes alive at the table. The gently expanding rim, similar to a lipped plate, securely holds the lid even without an interior ridge. The rim creates a frame-like effect that beautifully showcases the contents. The decorative grooves on the inside are inspired by ancient Japanese vessels. Though simple, they enhance the natural texture of the clay and glaze.

Simmer, Steam, Stir-fry: A Versatile Clay Pot for Various Cooking Methods

The moderately deep, flat shape is suitable not only for hot pot dishes but also for boiling, simmering, steaming, stir-frying, and everyday cooking. Prepare dishes like chikuzen-ni (simmered chicken and vegetables), meat and vegetable stir-fries, or nikujaga (meat and potato stew) in this pot and serve directly at the table. Everyday cooking is transformed into impressive large-platter presentations, enriching your daily dining experience. Despite its uniquely wide opening, it retains all the traditional clay pot qualities—gradually transmitting heat with excellent heat retention—making it versatile enough for year-round use.

Rustic Appearance and Functionality Born from Shigaraki's Quality Clay

Crafted by Matsusho, a kiln in Shigaraki—one of Japan's Six Ancient Kiln Sites. Shigaraki ware, made from the firm yet pliable clay of the ancient Lake Biwa stratum, is highly heat-resistant with a distinctive rough texture. Matsusho combines exceptional handcraft techniques with medium-volume production capacity, specializing in pottery that highlights clay's natural warmth. This pot showcases their precise forming techniques and detailed hand-finishing that varies subtly across different areas. The pot's surface is intentionally finished with a coarse texture to emphasize the clay's character.

Please Seal the Pores Before First Use

Coarse clay is used in this pot. Seasoning fills the crazing (fine surface cracks) and tiny pores in the clay with starch, preventing discoloration and water leakage. 1. Wipe dry or lightly wash with water, then wipe away moisture and dry thoroughly. 2. Fill to 80% with water, add 3 tablespoons of potato starch for the large size (2 tablespoons for medium), and heat until it becomes paste-like. Apply the paste to the rim with kitchen paper to help prevent staining. 3. Leave for 24-48 hours, then wash thoroughly and dry completely.

More information

Handling & care

Important Precautions
※Rapid heating or cooling may cause the pot to crack due to sudden temperature changes.
※Clay pots have the property of storing heat, so they become very hot during use. Please be careful to avoid burns and scorching your table.
※Depending on usage, colors may remain in the crazing, but this is a natural characteristic of clay pots.
※Can be used in microwave, oven, and on direct flame.

[Before use]
**Please perform the "Medome" (seasoning) process**
Coarse soil is used in these pots. Seasoning helps starch fill the crazing (fine cracks on the surface) and the fine pores of the soil to prevent staining and water leakage.

1. Wipe dry or lightly wash with water, wipe off moisture, and dry thoroughly.
2. Fill the pot to 80% with water, add about 3 tablespoons of potato starch for large pots or 2 tablespoons for medium pots, and cook until it becomes paste-like. Applying the paste to the rim with kitchen paper will help prevent staining on the edges.
3. Leave for about 24-48 hours, then wash well and dry thoroughly.

[When using]
**Be careful of rapid heating and cooling**
※Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.
※Avoid dry heating, sudden high heat, placing a leaking pot on fire, or adding large amounts of cold water when the pot is hot.
※When transitioning from stir-frying to simmering, add water gradually.

**Do not use for deep frying**
※While stir-frying with small amounts of oil is fine, never use for tempura or other deep-fried dishes that require large amounts of oil, as this could cause a fire.

**Be careful of burns**
※Clay pots retain heat for a long time once heated. They become very hot, so when handling, always use thick pot holders and keep the lid on to prevent spills.
※As there are no handles, grip the rim firmly.

**Use a trivet**
※Place the pot on a wooden, metal, or other heat-resistant trivet.
※Use something that won't be damaged by scorching.
※Placing directly on tables may cause discoloration or deformation.
※The coarse soil may scratch surfaces if dragged directly.

[After use]
**Wash gently**
※To prevent odors, clean leftover food promptly.
※Avoid soaking and wash by hand after the pot has cooled.
※Do not scrub hard with abrasive detergents or metal scourers, as this may cause scratches. Wash with a soft sponge.

**Dry thoroughly**
※Remaining moisture can cause odors and mold. After washing, wipe with a soft cloth and place upside down for a day to dry completely.
※Store in a well-ventilated place after ensuring it is completely dry.
※For long-term storage, wrap in newspaper rather than storing in a box.

[Maintenance]
**Aging will occur**
※With use, and especially if burned on high heat, colors will remain in the crazing and cannot be completely removed.
※The bottom surface will also get scorched and change in appearance. The yellow-Seto color is particularly noticeable, but please enjoy this as part of the natural character of clay pots.

**For burned residue**
※Soak in lukewarm water to soften, then gently scrub with a brush. If that doesn't work, simmer water with dissolved baking soda for about 10 minutes on low heat.
※Wash and dry thoroughly when cooled. This can also somewhat reduce discoloration in the crazing.

**For odours**
※Fill to 80% with water, add a handful of used tea leaves, and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
※Wash and dry thoroughly when cooled.

**For mold**
※Fill to 80% with water, add about 3 tablespoons of vinegar for large pots or 2 tablespoons for medium pots, and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
※Wash and dry thoroughly when cooled.

**For water leakage through cracks**
※With continued use, expansion and contraction due to heat may cause crazing and fine cracks, which is a natural characteristic of clay pots.
※If water leaks, perform the seasoning process again as you did before first use. The starch will fill the cracks and prevent leakage.

[Notes]
※Be careful of chipping or cracking due to strong impacts.
※For safety, stop using the product if it becomes cracked.
※As each item is finished by hand, there may be individual differences in color and shape.

Delivery & returns

Free international shipping available on qualifying orders. Global shipping from Nara, Japan via DHL. Returns accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in original packaging (return shipping at customer's expense).

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For 300 years, Nakagawa has supported Japanese heritage craft houses across the nation, committed to revitalizing Japanese Kogei for another century to come.

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