Nagatani-en

Founded in 1832 with the opening of its kiln, Nagatani-en is a celebrated maker of rugged yet refined earthenware products in the Japanese city of Iga. The eighth-generation family business is best known for its Igá-Monó donabes: handmade ceramic hot pots. The unique clay of the region – once at the bottom of Lake Biwa – results in pottery that offers superior heat retention, for even and fragrant cooking.