What kind of process is the 'medome' (sealing) mentioned in the descriptions of earthenware vessels or rice cookers?

Medome refers to the initial seasoning process that fills the surface crevices of pottery crafted from clay to break in the vessel. Earthenware products made from coarse clay grains have microscopic breathing pores left behind during the firing process, allowing moisture or seasonings to easily soak in.

Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten recommends always undergoing the medome process before using the Shigaraki ware noodle bowl and Kamoshika Antiques rice cooker^[1][2]. Earthenware made of coarse clay is prone to stains and mold, and this is because filling the pores on the surface with the starch component in cooked rice can reduce the permeation of contaminants^[3].

Generally, a method is used where the vessel is submerged in rice water or water mixed with cooked rice, gently simmered over low heat, and then allowed to cool naturally before being rinsed.

hmmm, medome is not a troublesome chore, but rather the act of filling the gaps in a rough earthen vessel before it holds food, paving the way for it to be used for a long time.