The team members at CIBONE Brooklyn are passsionate about the unique artistry found in our collections. Each staff member has a favorite piece that reflects their personal connection to art used in their daily lives. Whether it`s a simple hand-thrown ceramic bowl or an intricately designed fine art piece, these staff picks showcase the blend of creativity and craftsmanship that define the timeless athsetic of our shop.
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How to cook rice (in just 10-15 minutes)
Japanese traditional ceramic rice cooking pot "Hagama" by Naoto Ishii
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Artist Description:
Naoto Ishii
Born in Kyoto in 1954. Ceramist and fine artist. Currently based in Kyo-tamba City, Kyoto.
After his apprenticeship at Doraku Pottery Kiln at Mie prefecture, he then relocated to a traditional Japanese house and opened the workshop “Dokkatouyu,” and the hermitage “Kaigenken" at Kyo-tamba city.
Ever since he established his climbing kiln in 1994, he engaged in inaugural firing utilizing natural resources in the vicinity. One of his style is touching and analyzing the natural soil of Tamba and other regions before making the most suitable shape and size of his ceramic pieces. His one-of-a-kind pieces has a strong mixture of the earth and his energy, covering a wide range of products from food vessels to art pieces.
Recommendation Reason:
With this ceramic pot, all tyes of rice will be cooked deliciously with the crunchy rice crispies at the bottom. Rice tastes amazing.
Just having rice made in this pot feels satisfactory. Adding simple sides like kimchi, natto and miso soup will keep daily meals simple and enjoyable. Though the pot is pricey at $850, having a one-of-a-kind handcrafted clay pot will become a wonderful investment.
Procedures of cooking rice is easy.
1) Add 2 to 4 cups of rice.
2) Add water and wash rice. Then pour out the rice water.
3) Add water again, making it slightly cover the surface of rice. Then wait for 20-30 minutes to let the rice absorb the water.
4) Put on open fire (low heat for the first 2 mintues) and close the lid. Then adjust to high heat for approximately 10 minutes. Once the water is evaporated, gently mix the rice.
5) Enjoy.
Although it may not become a significant damage, cracks will appear on the bottom after continuous usage. In order to alleviate the cracks, it's good to pour rice water and keep for one night; it's the process of "Medome", coating the surface with rice startch to cover the cracks and prevent odor to stick.
Personal Story:
When this pot was shipped via air, the lid and a portion of the pot was significantly cracked due to turbulence. After applying the "Kintsugi" ceramic restoration, a golden line of epoxy resin will cover the cracks, making it 100% reusable. This pot can be placed on open fire, made for cooking rice and hot pot for the cold season.
Kintsugi is done by Yuko Gunji.
Message from the Staff:
Rice is amazing. I'll try the hot pot during the cold season using the Dashi from "Dashi Okume".
If you're looking for the first ever hot pot, definitely recommend the earthy ceramic pieces of Naoto Ishii. His ceramic pieces has an unique presence and vibe that no other hot pot has, making it enjoyable from taste to visual presentation.