Earthenware pot (nawame)

The area from Otaru to Yoichi is a densely populated area of ancient Jomon period ruins, where numerous earthenware, stone tools, and sculptures have been discovered. We made a clay pot in collaboration with ceramic artist Toshihisa Oishi, inspired by the history of Otaru, a region in Japan with valuable historical sites. The base is made by brushing a mud-like Nopporo clay onto the earthenware pot. The sides of the earthenware pot are wrapped in straw during firing, causing a chemical reaction between the components of the clay and straw, which creates the crimson lines. The lid and the handle of each vessel feature rope marks, which are commonly seen on Jomon pottery. The inside is glazed, which prevents stains from seeping in.

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You can easily cook fluffy, hot rice without taking much time, or you can use it to make hot pot, udon, or even rice porridge! You can enjoy a variety of dishes depending on how you use it.

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◎Ingredients - 2 cups of rice - Water 360CC - UNGA↑ Sardines in Soy Sauce with Shiso (Perilla) 1 can - Mushrooms, as needed - Dashi (broth) - 1st year of junior high school - Soy sauce (Grade 2 of the middle school level) - Mirin, 2nd year of junior high school ◎How to make 1. Wash the rice and set it aside in a strainer. 2. Put all the ingredients in an earthenware pot and let it sit for about 30 minutes. 3. Cook over medium heat, and once it boils, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it steam for about 10 minutes, and it's ready! "HOKKAI CAN" is here.

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Fired after spraying with a mud-like white clay (decorative clay). Applying brushstrokes of Nopporo clay mixed with black soil. Size: Approx. 25cm in diameter (including handle) x 13cm in height (including lid), 2-cup rice cooker. Material: Ceramic

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① Wash the earthenware pot with water, wipe it thoroughly, and then let it dry for at least half a day. Please note that putting it on the fire while it is wet may cause it to crack. ② To prevent leaks and cracks, we seal the joints. Simmer the porridge over low heat. Slowly heat the entire pot, and once it starts to boil, increase the gas flame. Simmer until the porridge becomes sticky. Once it's sticky, leave it as is for 24-48 hours to allow the stickiness to thoroughly permeate the pot. The starch contained in rice fills and coats the invisible gaps. *Not suitable for IH cooktops. Not dishwasher safe. *Please note that there may be individual differences in design and size, but please understand this as the unique charm of a one-of-a-kind item.

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Based in Sapporo, I create expressive vessels that capture the essence of local soil, using "Nopporo Clay" sourced from Ebetsu, Hokkaido, as my raw material. Because it's clay, because it's pottery, it can express things that nothing else can. A texture that feels warm to the touch. Colors that complement the meal. Not limited by frameworks. A relaxed and carefree form. I create things every day while considering the balance between "using" and "showing" them.

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"Majime Otaru" is an irregular column where we speak with Ishikawa, the director of the Otaru City Museum, and delve into the rich history of Otaru. Please enjoy it.