Nagatani-en
Japan's oldest and finest donabe maker, they have been making beautiful and functional pottery since 1832.
Nagatani-en is located in the Iga region of Japan and that makes the clay they use special, the clay was under a lake for 4Million years resulting in lots of tiny fossil in the clay that result in special properties making the clay heat up more slowly and also holding the heat longer. It makes for tender, warm extra delicious cooking.
The artisans make the pots absolutely beautiful to cook in and serve with. Each pot takes two weeks to make and is made with special care. None are exactly the same.