Pots - Nagatani
Discover the Magic of Japanese Earthenware Cooking
These are no ordinary pots. They are Iga ware, a celebrated style of pottery with a legacy stretching back over 1,200 years from the historic Iga region of Mie Prefecture. This area, rich in ceramic history, was once the bottom of Lake Biwa, Japan's oldest and largest lake, formed 4 million years ago. The special, coarse clay found here is the secret to its exceptional cooking properties. This ancient clay is packed with fossilised microorganisms. When fired at high temperatures in the kiln, these organic remains burn away, creating a uniquely porous structure in the finished pottery.
These tiny, microscopic pores allow the pot to breathe and to build up heat slowly and evenly, and then to retain that heat exceptionally well. This gentle, consistent heat penetrates to the core of the ingredients and works to seal all the flavours inside.
Since its founding in 1832, Nagatani-en has produced cookware that makes use of the superb properties of Iga clay. Each piece is unique and the patterns and colourings change over time with use, giving your pot its own personal history.
Explore our collection and bring the enduring art of Japanese earthenware cooking into your home.
Please note: Our range of Nagatani-en pots are not suitable for induction hobs.
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