Bankoware Clay Pot

I reach for this donabe (clay pot) so often at home, because it is perfect for everyday cooking. Like all products in Matsuda-san's Jizai Dougu collection, this Bankoware donabe has been uniquely designed to reflect the lessons and wisdom she has gained over more than three decades as a cooking teacher. Bankoware, a style of pottery native to Yokkaichi City in Mie Prefecture, is known for its durability and heat resistance. Matsuda-san worked with a small factory to design and produce this donabe with thick walls to retain radiant heat and a central steam vent for better cooking control. Unlike some clay pots, it doesn’t need to be dried between uses, making it easy and reliable for daily cooking. Its heavy lid helps lock in flavor, making it perfect for rice, soups, simmered dishes, and more.

Product Details:

• Pot: 9½" in diameter x 4⅛" in height (24cm x 10.5cm)
• Lid: 8⅛" in diameter x 2½" in height (21.8cm x 6.3cm)
• Made in Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture

What follows are Jizai Dougu’s Care and Usage Instructions translated from the original Japanese:

Please read before your first use

• Heat-resistant potteries have very tiny cracks on the surface. The pot will last longer if you boil water with wheat flour or other starch before the first use.
• If cracks or fissures are found due to external impact, or if you hear an unusual noise while using the pot, stop the use immediately.
• This is an ultra heat-resistant pottery. It is handmade, so the glaze is thicker or thinner in some areas, but they are not a sign of defect.

Tips to ensure longer use

• Do not heat the pot without food in it. This can damage the pot.
• Start cooking on medium heat, then turn to high heat after the pot has accumulated heat.
• Do not immerse the pot in cold water or cool it suddenly while it is still hot. This can damage the pot.
• If you soak the pot, dry it completely before the next use. If the pot is not dried completely, its surface may peel by steam.
• Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean, not a metal brush, which will damage the surface.
• When removing burnt food, do not use hard objects such as metals. Instead, pour boiling water to soften it, then remove it. Be careful not to get burned.
• After use, dry the pot thoroughly before storing it, otherwise, it may collect mold or dirt.

To ensure safe use

• There is a steam release hole in the center of the lid. When opening the lid, be aware of steam heat to avoid burns.
• Dry the pot thoroughly, particularly the bottom of the pot.
• Watch out for spills caused by overcooking the food.
• Jizaibanko clay pots are fragile and made of ultra-heat-resistant pottery. Please handle it with care as they are fragile against external impacts.
• Do not use it for deep-frying foods. This may cause damage and fire.
• When placing a pot on a table, counter top, be sure to use a trivet to avoid scratching the surface.
• OK to use on gas stove, in oven, in microwave oven, toaster oven. Can be put in dishwasher. Can be used for stir frying.
• Do not use on Induction Burner.
• Do not use for deep frying.