土鍋(どなべ)

土鍋(どなべ) is a traditional Japanese clay pot used for one-pot cooking and rice.

Writing

• 土(ど) (earth, clay)
• 鍋(なべ) (pot)

Material properties

• Made from clay
• Retains heat well
• Heats evenly
• Keeps food warm at the table
• Fragile (handle with care)

Common collocations

• 鍋料理(なべりょうり) (hot pot dishes)
• 炊(た)き込(こ)みご飯(はん) (mixed rice)
• 雑炊(ぞうすい) (rice porridge)
• 湯豆腐(ゆどうふ) (tofu in hot water)
• 土鍋(どなべ)ご飯(はん) (rice cooked in clay pot)

Seasonal association

• Strongly associated with winter
• 鍋(なべ) season = cold months
• Cozy, warming image

Care instructions

• Season before first use (often with rice water)
• Don't heat when empty
• Let cool gradually (thermal shock can crack)
• Dry thoroughly after washing

Famous BRANDS/REGIONS

• 伊賀焼(いがやき) (Iga ware - Mie Prefecture)
• 萬古焼(ばんこやき) (Banko ware - Mie Prefecture)

Sizes

• Usually measured by 号(ごう) (servings)
• 一人用(ひとりよう) (1 person) to 大人数用(おおにんずうよう) (large groups)

Related words

• 鍋(なべ) (pot, hot pot dish)
• 鍋料理(なべりょうり) (hot pot cooking)
• 卓上(たくじょう)コンロ (portable stove)

Register: Neutral. Common in cooking and daily life contexts.