Multi-Purpose "Ohitsu" Bowl and Lid
Tochin is a unique multi-purpose Ohitsu, or rice warmer, that benefits from the special characteristics of Iga clay. Just like a traditional Japanese wooden ohitsu, porous clay of Iga can breathe and keep the cooked rice without getting mushy. This multi-purpose bowl with lid can also be used in microwave for quick cooking (with steam effect by using a ceramic grate for some dishes), or it can be used as a donburi serving bowl for a beautiful table presentation, too.
Different Ways to Use Tochin
1. As an ohitsu
Container for cooked rice/ reheating rice Tochin is perfect not only for storing cooked rice, but also for re-heating cooked rice in the microwave thanks to the benefits from the special characteristics of Iga clay. The reheated rice can taste almost like the freshly cooked rice.
2. Tochin is Microwave-Friendly
Tochin is microwave safe, and its compact body can let you make quick microwave dish (such as steamed vegetables, tofu, etc.) and serve right out of it at a table. (Up to 1,000-W power microwave.) For the best steaming effect, soak Tochin (both the bowl and lid) in water for 1 minute or so before using. The clay will absorb the moisture and will give a nice steaming effect during heating in microwave. You can do quick steam-effect cooking with or without the steam grate depending on ingredients. This is also good for cooking frozen dumplings etc.
3. Use Tochin as a Serving Bowl
Tochin can also be used simply as a serving bowl. The beautiful earthy aesthetic of Tochin can help making your dining experience more enjoyable. The large-size Tochin is perfect for a dish to share or as a donburi bowl for dishes like rice bowl, noodles (like udon, soba, ramen), etc. The small-size Tochin is great as a bowl for single-serving rice and small dishes.
4. Use Tochin to Serve/ Keep Cold Dish
Because of the porous Iga clay, the interior of Tochin can stay cold for an extended time if you wet it beforehand. To maximize the effect, soak the bowl and lid of Tochin in water for a minute or two beforehand, then keep in refrigerator until it becomes cold. It’s ideal for serving the cold food such as sashimi, fruits salad, cold noodles, etc.
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.
