Iga-Kohiki Rice Bowl

Classic Iga-style Rice Bowl

You can serve rice in a traditional Japanese way or use for other purposes.

True “Terroir” of Iga

Iga region, where this pottery is made, used to be the bed of Lake Biwa about 4 million years ago. The clay is coarse and consists of a high level of pre-historic fossilized microorganisms that leave the clay porous when fired. With this effect, when Iga-yaki (Iga-style) pottery is crafted by artisanal hands, it creates the signature wabi-sabi (“unfinished beauty”) look. This exceptional wabi-sabi beauty of Iga-yaki pottery has been praised by pottery lovers in Japan over centuries.

Authentic Iga-yaki pottery by Nagatani-en

Iga-yaki pottery is one of Japan’s most highly-regarded traditional ceramics, and is said to have originated in Iga, Mie-Prefecture in late 7th Century. This product is made by a leading producer of Iga-yaki pottery since 1832. At Nagatani-en, each product is made by hand with care. Nagatani-en’s Iga-yaki products have been loved by both professionals and home cooks in Japan.

Your authentic Iga-yaki pottery develops its character as it ages

Authentic Iga-yaki tableware or pottery can develop its character as you use it over time. The color and texture could change slightly, or tiny crackles ("kannyu") could develop inside. These are all the welcoming characteristics of Iga-yaki's historic wabi-sabi beauty, and we hope you enjoy using this pottery for a very long time.

All the donabe and Iga-yaki products made by Nagatani-en are hand-crafted with care, so every piece is unique and no two pieces are identical. There are slight variations within the color/ shade, shape/ curve, and patterns, among pieces, and that makes each piece so special. Also under different lighting and angle, the actual color shade and nuance may also appear slightly different from the photos in the product page.

Iga-Kohiki - A Design to Cherish its Unique Development of Aesthetic Over Time

Iga-Kohiki design has a special soft and warm look due to its pottery technique called Kohiki. The base clay is covered with white slip before it's coated with a clear glaze, then it's fired in a kiln. This design is also known for its unique development of color over time with use. You may also notice some spots are developed on the surface. These are not only a typical phenomenon with Kohiki design, but a welcomed one as well. No single piece is like the next. As such, each unique item will develop and change appearance gradually and that's something to be cherished.

Material: Clay
Producer: Nagatani-en
Origin: Iga, Japan

Usage and Care

• This product is microwave-safe. Do not set the product on any other direct heat.
• Hand wash only. Make sure to dry completely before storing. This product is not dishwasher safe.
• Food should not be stored in the product, as the porous clay could absorb the moisture and smell of the contents over time.
• Avoid any sharp temperature change on the product, as it could cause cracking.
• Do not freeze the product, as it might crack.

Domestic Orders

• Usually ships out in-stock items within 3 business days of order.
• We use FedEx, USPS Priority Mail, or USPS First Class Mail to ship our products, depending on the size and weight of the package.
• Read about the shipping information and terms in our Customer Service Page.
• Free shipping with purchase of $375 or more! (Within Continental US only. Total purchase amount to qualify excludes free shipping offer items.)

International Orders

• Usually ship out in-stock within 5 business days of order.
• We use USPS Priority Mail International for international shipping.
• We do not accept any returns for international orders. Any additional charges (including but not limited to import tax, custom fees, VAT, brokerage charge) that might incur after the order lands in the destination country must be borne by the recipient.
• Read about the shipping information and terms in our Customer Service Page.