This beautiful product is Matsuda-san's version of an Ohitsu, a wooden tub used to mix and store sushi rice. But, like all of the products in Matsuda-san's Jizai Dougu collection, it has been improved using the lessons she has learned over her decades of cooking and teaching.
Matsuda-san chose an oval shape to be more elegant than the traditional round shape. She also chose to inset the copper band into the wood. She noticed that the bands that sit on the surface of a standard round Ohitsu can start to move as the wood shrinks over time. They also experimented to find the perfect placement for the inset copper ring so that they'd only need one...again, improving the elegant look of the product.
Matsuda-san's changes did not come without cost. Unlike regular round Ohitsu that can be made by machine, her oval container must be made by hand. It isn't an easy process. Indeed, 10% break during production.
We love how versatile this stunning container is, making it a wonderful addition to any kitchen. Of course, you can use it like a traditional Ohitsu to season and store sushi rice. You can also use it to make and serve completed dishes like Chirashi Sushi or other rice-based dishes served at room temperature. Matsuda-san also suggests using it for a temaki party. She places seasoned rice on one side and the fillings on the other. Given its elegant shape, it is perfect for presenting onigiri and even sandwiches for a party, etc. Finally, we love the unique fragrance of the Kiso Sawara wood.
Product Details:
- Made from Kiso Sawara (Japanese Cypress) wood
- Band made of twisted copper wire
- Oval Container: 15¼" x 10¼" x 3⅞" (38.7cm x 26.0cm x 9.8cm)
- Lid: 15¾" x 10¾" x ¼" (38.7cm x 26.0cm x 0.6cm)
- Spoon: 10½" x 2½" x ½" (26.7cm x 6.4cm x 1.3cm)
- Crafted in Gifu Prefecture
What follows are Jizai Dougu’s Care and Usage Instructions translated from the original Japanese:
Please read these handling instructions before your first use to ensure long-lasting use.
Before Use (to remove bitterness and odor)
- Fill the container with rice washing water (you can use the water from rinsing rice before cooking).
- If the container is not filled up, add the second and third rice washing water.
- Once the container is full, leave it for about 3 hours. Note: This product is not watertight, so water may leak during this step. Place it where it can drain, such as a sink.
- Rinse with water and dry thoroughly in shade.
This method can remove a lot of odor. Even if you are concerned by a slight odor, it is the natural wood scent which will gradually fade with each use, so please do not use any other odor removal method.
Although you may not use the product immediately after the purchase, please use this method right after purchase to remove the bitterness and odor before storing it.
Handling Notes
- Before each use, wipe the inside of the container with a well-wrung wet cloth.
- After use, wash the inside and outside carefully with cleansing powder or salt instead of synthetic detergent. Use cleanser to polish the copper frame. After cleaning, wipe the inside of the container and spray it with sanitizing alcohol (ethanol) to prevent blackening and mold.
- Dry thoroughly in shade in a well-ventilated area. If exposed to direct sunlight, the wood may shrink due to fast drying and the frame may come off. Do not place it in a dish dryer as it may cause the frame to come off, the wood to crack or warp.
- Wrap it in paper or cotton cloth to avoid direct contact with air. It is best to store it where temperature and humidity are stable.
- Do not wash any of the components in the dishwasher.
About Natural Wood Resin
Depending on the wood quality, climate, and storage conditions, natural wood resin may be found. This is natural resin of the tree, which is sticky sap that oozes out of the wood surface. Resin is also the source of the unique fragrance of Kiso Sawara (a type of cypress in Kiso region, Nagano), but if you prefer to remove the sticky feel, wipe it off with sanitizing alcohol (ethanol). Note it is harmless to humans.
Additional Care Instructions for Oval Lid
How to fix warping
The container lid is thin, so warping may occur. It can be fixed by following steps. Please note that while it will not be completely restored, it will be significantly improved.
- Wet only the concave side with water by damp cloth or spray.
- Place the lid with the convex side up on a sheet of plastic wrap. Place a flat weight, such as a book, on the convex surface.
- Leave it for approximately 6 hours.
