Japanese Donabe | Ginpo Hanamishima Banko Hot Pot, 6-10 Sizes

Build everyday Japanese comfort food on the table — this Ginpo Hanamishima donabe brings shabu-shabu, oden, sukiyaki, and one-pot rice straight to the dinner you'll actually eat. The hand-painted Hanamishima 三島 (three-island floral) pattern is one of Banko ware's most-loved traditional designs, made by Ginpo Pottery in Mie Prefecture since 1932.

Quick facts

Workshop & tradition

Banko ware from Mie Prefecture is the only Japanese earthenware tradition specifically known for direct-flame donabe. The clay body absorbs heat slowly and releases it evenly, which is why a Banko donabe makes nabemono taste rounder than a metal pot — you simmer rather than boil, and the broth holds depth instead of going thin. Ginpo Pottery has been making donabe in this tradition since 1932; the Hanamishima pattern is one of their signature hand-painted decorations.

Use cases

• Shabu-shabu, oden, sukiyaki, kimchi nabe, mizutaki — any one-pot Japanese dish
• One-pot rice (kamado-style donabe rice has a famous reputation)
• Slow simmers, short braises, oven-to-table family meals
• Long-lifespan wedding / housewarming / Mother's Day gift for someone who cooks

FAQ

Is this induction (IH) compatible? No — Banko-ware donabe is for direct gas flame or open flame. Induction-compatible donabe use a different clay body and are sold as separate models.

Microwave / oven / dishwasher? Hand-wash only; no dishwasher. Oven-safe at moderate temperatures (donabe is a baking vessel in some recipes); avoid sudden temperature changes. Microwave-safe is not stated by the maker — for safety, treat it as direct-flame cookware only.

Which size is right? 6-go (0.9 L) for one-person ramen-style nabe; 7-go (1.5 L) for couples; 8-go (2.2 L) for 3–4 people; 9-go (3.2 L) for 4–5; 10-go (4.0 L) for 5–6 / large family.

Does it really last decades? Yes — with proper care (no sudden temperature changes, no dishwasher, fully dry between uses), a Banko donabe develops a patina and lasts a generation.

About ZenKiln

ZenKiln is a Japan-based curator connecting international collectors with Japan's artisan ceramic tradition. We work closely with the kilns, workshops, and makers featured in our shop — each one disclosed in our About section — and hand-pack every piece in Japan for safe delivery worldwide.