Marui Pottery Iga Ware Hechimon Gratin Pot, Earthenware Pot, White Birch, Approx. 18.5cm Diameter, Made in Japan, MR-3-3526

Country of Origin: Japan Iga ware is pottery made in the mountain villages around Iga City, Mie Prefecture, separated from Shigaraki in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, by a single mountain. ●It originated in the late 7th to 8th centuries. Initially, seed jars and other items were made, and during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, it became well-known as pottery for the tea ceremony. Currently, the production of earthenware pots and heat-resistant pottery, which take advantage of the highly fire-resistant properties of the clay, is thriving. ●Like Shigaraki pottery, Iga ware has a different feel from typical porcelain pottery, and is pottery that allows you to enjoy the taste of the clay and glaze in various ways. ●Earthenware is absorbent and breathable, and the glaze has crazing (fine cracks on the surface, not cracks in the pottery body). With use, tea stains and other stains will seep into the crazing and the pottery body. Enjoy the soft charm unique to earthenware and the changing appearance with each use. ●Shigaraki and Iga Pottery: "Hechimon" pottery relies heavily on human hands, resulting in unique pieces that each possess an individual character. Within the diverse shapes, you can discover the various characteristics of traditional Shigaraki and Iga ware.

The name "Hechimon" originates from a Shigaraki craftsman's term meaning "something unusual." These pieces possess a variety of expressions, much like the diverse forms created by nature and the individuality of each of us. They are pottery filled with the heartfelt dedication and playful spirit of skilled artisans who value "inhomogeneity."

This heat-resistant pot is made in the Marubashi district of Iga. Besides gratin, it's also suitable for dishes like Yudofu (boiled tofu) and Yanagawa-style hot pots. Serving directly from the pot after cooking in the kitchen is a great way to entertain guests.

To highlight the texture of the material, the clay is lightly scraped, and a thin, flowing glaze is applied to create a weathered, aged look.

Traditional Iga heat-resistant clay is characterized by the appearance of fine, intermittent cracks on the surface of the pot during initial use. These fine cracks actually increase the strength of the pot as it expands and contracts with each heating cycle, making it more resilient than it appears. Therefore, you can use it with confidence even if you see small or large cracks. Enjoy the changing texture with each use as part of the unique aging process of pottery.

Please note that individual items may differ from the photos in size, color, and glaze application. Enjoy these variations as part of the charm of pottery.

Product size: Approx. 18.5 x 16 x 9 cm Product weight: 2.2 kg Capacity: Approx. 380 ml Material: Ceramic