Bistro Donabe

Versatile Iga-yaki donabe with rustic modern design

This classic-style donabe has the authentic rustic Iga-yaki look with a modern design. The lid is completely flat and fits tightly to the bowl. The knob is square-shape, and there are Nagatani-en's "iga-mono" logos etched on the handles.

The size is medium-small (1,200 ml), so this is a handy donabe for everyday use for hot pot, soup, stew, roasting, etc.

The flat bottom can be heated empty

Unlike most donabe, this donabe can be heated without any liquid inside. So, this donabe is also ideal for sautéing or roasting, too. Also, the flat bottom makes it easier when you align ingredients in layers.

True “Terroir” of Iga

Iga region, where this donabe is made, used to be the bed of Lake Biwa about 4 million years ago. The clay from this region is naturally highly heat-resistant and has been used for open-flame cooking for many hundreds of years. This clay consists of a high level of pre-historic fossilized microorganisms that leave the clay porous when fired. The porous body gives the donabe remarkable heat-retention ability. The donabe gradually builds the heat when it’s heated, then it cools down very slowly after the heat is turned off. This, along with the glaze that promotes the far infrared rays (FIR – the same effect as how the glowing charcoal cook ingredients without direct flame) when it’s heated, allow the donabe to produce a gentle, steady heat that penetrates to the core of each ingredient. The effect is ingredients are cooked evenly with all the flavors sealed inside.

Authentic Iga-yaki pottery by Nagatani-en

Iga-yaki (Iga-style) pottery is one of Japan’s most highly-regarded traditional ceramics and is said to have originated in Iga, Mie-Prefecture in the late 7th Century. This donabe is made by Nagatani-en, a leading producer of authentic Iga-yaki pottery since 1832. At Nagatani-en, each donabe is made by hand with care and it takes about 2 weeks to produce an individual donabe. Nagatani-en’s Iga-yaki products have been loved by both professionals and home cooks in Japan.

Your donabe develops its character as it ages

As you use your donabe over and over, it develops character and that’s something to be welcomed.

• The very thin cracks could appear on the surface (glaze) of the donabe. It’s called “kannyu” in Japanese and the cracks run like veins. They are the naturally developed cracks on the glaze and won’t affect the function of the donabe.
• Once you start using the donabe, the bottom part starts to change its color and black spots (like burned spots) could appear. It’s also the part of developing the character and the donabe is safe to use. However, if the bottom part seems to get too black too quickly, the heat you use might be too high. In this case, we suggest that you use the donabe over lower heat level.

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.

• Size: 9” diameter x 4.1” high (22.5 cm diameter x 10.5 cm high) – including lid
• Capacity: 1.2 qt (1,200 ml)
• Weight: 4.2 lbs (1.9 kg)

Material: Clay
Producer: Nagatani-en
Origin: Iga, Japan
Included in the package: Donabe (bowl and lid) and English instruction sheet.

Usage and Care

• Ideal for gas stove top use. This donabe is not suitable for electric or induction cooktop.
• This donabe can be heated while it’s empty.
• Oven-safe (up to 500℉/ 250℃). This donabe is not suitable for microwave.
• Hand wash only.
• Before the first use, this donabe must be seasoned (How to Season Donabe).

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.