おひつ

noun

wooden rice container; rice tub

1. wooden rice container; rice tub

a traditional wooden container used to store cooked rice and keep it warm

おひつにご飯(はん)を移(うつ)す。

To transfer rice to the ohitsu.

おひつを使(つか)うとご飯(はん)がべたつかない。

Using an ohitsu prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

老舗(しにせ)の料亭(りょうてい)ではおひつでご飯(はん)が出(で)てくる。

At traditional high-end restaurants, rice is served in an ohitsu.

CULTURAL CONTEXT:
Traditionally made from wood (especially Japanese cypress), which absorbs excess moisture and keeps rice at the ideal texture. Still used in traditional restaurants and some households.