Dobin Mushi

Traditional Serving Set

This beautiful Iga-yaki dobin (earthenware kettle) is safe on direct flame. Dobin Mushi is a name of a traditional Japanese dish in which aromatic broth and seasonal ingredients (most famously matsutake mushrooms in autumn) are heated in the dobin, and the broth is served into the cup to enjoy on its own before the other ingredients are enjoyed together with the broth. This can also be used as a tea pot or for other purposes (such as to serve dashi broth over rice to make dashi chazuke) for great presentation. Kiseto is one of the most historic types of glaze in Japan and gives beautiful texture to this pottery.

True “Terror” 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 Iga-yaki Pottery Develops its Character as it Ages

As you use your Iga-yaki pottery over and over, it will develop character. Its color and texture could change slightly or tiny cracks ("kannyu") could develop inside over time. These are all the welcoming characteristics of Iga-yaki's historic wabi-sabi beauty and would make your pottery more personal and special.

• The very thin cracks could appear on the surface (glaze). 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 dobin, 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 dobin 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 dobin 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: 4.7″ diameter x 3.3″ high (12 cm diameter x 8.5 cm high) – not including the handle
• Capacity: 1 cup (250 ml)

Material: Clay
Producer: Nagatani-en
Origin: Iga, Japan
Included in the package: Dobin (kettle), bamboo handle, 1 small cup and English instruction sheet.

Usage and Care

• The dobin is suitable for gas stove top use only. It is not suitable for electric stove (including glass top) or induction cooktop. It’s not oven safe or microwave safe.
• Hand wash only. To wash, use a soft sponge with mild soap. Avoid the handle from getting wet, as wetting the handle can cause damage to the material. This product is not dishwasher safe.

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.