The Japanese cast iron teapot is an amazing little teapot with ancient roots dating back to the 1600's! But the ratio of expansion is different between these materials. Always check the package or confirm with the seller the economic life of a teapot. Both Morioka and Mizusawa cast iron ware is called Nanbu Tekki (). However it is a very natural change. All our cast iron teapots feature a removable infuser to allow you to brew the tea directly in the pot if you wish. Some handles are made with Silver or Gold Inlay (). Just like existence of teapot in the England afternoon tea. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. It is kind of Wabi-Sab. It is then proven that the reputation of Nambu cast iron Kettle is recognize world widely. Recently, in the Twentieth Century, there are many cast iron teapots that have appeared on the overseas market as well as the online market. The products ranging from high-end hand craft to commercial cast iron ware. Due to the simplicity in their crafting style, there are some fans of their product. It was the first brand who invented wax mold in casting the iron tetsubin. In the Japanese art of chanoyu (tea ceremony), tetsubin are placed on a portable brazier named binkake () and traditionally heated over charcoal. As the matter of fact, the wrong combination between tetsubin and teapot spoil the effect of both. For high-end Japanese cast iron kettles, the mold is used only once. Due to the nature of the material used on these spots, it gets hotter than cast iron. A number of tetsubin being sold and claimed to be antique piece were often covered with a thick layer of rust in the interior. Mold can be recycled for a few times. After pre-heating your teapot, measure your favorite loose leaf tea. You can have them in a variety of sizes and shapes. The teapot can be filled with tea from 16 to 22 ounces and only weighs around three pounds. River sand, rock sand, iron sand, lacquer, clay and coal are all essential cast iron used for casting the iron. The trace of iron nail is seen at the bottom of finished products at times. Then consider drying the entire pot with a towel to prevent rusting. What are Tetsubin? Once a product is made, the mold will be destroyed. Both materials are from the local mountains and river band. When we use the word "Tetsubin", in Japanese, we are referring to a kettle that is used only to boil water. The duration for steeping will depend on the tea that you choose. Nambu feudal gather artisans all over Japan, and started an association of making Tetsubin. Sand molds are generally used for mass production, especially for export. Japanese Tetsubin Japanese Cast-iron Tetsubin Exactly when the tetsubin first appeared in Japan is unclear, but much evidence suggests a close relationship with the rise of the sencha, a form of tea-drinking that uses tea leaves instead of powdered tea. Choose from an assortment of styles, material and more with respect to the Japanese tetsubin you're looking for at 1stDibs. Mizusawa had a longer history in iron casting and their main product are daily cook ware. Never use cold water if the cast iron material is still hot. Choosing one that is designed to the narrowest of details will also cost more. Need to use it on a stove top? At that time, Japanese intellectuals were strongly inspired by China, enjoying Chinese arts and crafts. The interior is either bare iron or only coated with Urushi. Each item that is regarded as a traditional handicraft need to have its own purpose and utility. In the Japanese art of chanoyu, the special portable brazierfor this is the binkake(). Usually good brand never recycled more than 4 times as pattern is getting blur. Also depending on how well received the new innovation, the prices can also plummet or spike. This questions is well received by them with a mixed feeling. Cast iron kettles and teapots are produced by pouring molten iron into either clay or sand molds. Our Iwachu cast iron teapots are all handcrafted in Japan and include infuser baskets, a porcelain lining and use & care instructions. Once archetype is baked, use the archetype for casting the external layer with clay mold and bake it. These Cast Iron Kettles are made by pouring molten iron into either clay or sand molds. These days, aficionados do not heat the teapot on a stovetop as it can quickly become brittle over time, which may result in cracking and eventually damage. The cast iron is produced using coaks, silica, raw material of iron and oxigen. The Tetsubin is meant for boiling water. Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot. For the complex or deep emboss pattern, the mold can only be used for one time. Frankly speaking, you do not need a Tetsubin if you just want to enjoy the aroma component of your tea. Go to Detail Explanation about Satetsu Tetsubin>>. It is an alloy of carbon, silicon, and iron, contains of 1.7 to 4.5% C and 1 to 3% Si. This is beneficial as it helps when steeping by producing a smooth brew. As mentioned earlier, this area is very rich in iron ware and other necessary materials for iron casting such as clay, urushi, forest and sand. In the Japanese art of chanoyu (tea ceremony), tetsubin are placed on a portable brazier named binkake () and traditionally heated over charcoal. Due to the gorgeous carving and silver inlay, people spontaneously take it as a high-end product. In addition, it is doubtful that terribly rusty surface has the same porosity. However the scale must be formed with your own water. Throughout the 18thcentury, the Tetsubin became a utensil in most households to boil water and prepare tea. As a result, it causes leaking and in the worst case, it causes crack of tetsubin. Morioka-Nanbu has once produced the National Human Treasure that is the greatest and the most prestigious title for an artist in Japan. Yamagata manufactures cast iron qualitative wares in a simpler style. Tetsubin (Cast Iron Kettle) the Heart of the Japanese Handcraft, There are many artisans around Japan. If you have any enquiry, please feel free to get in touch with us at, The Cast Iron Kettle: called a "Tetsubin" in Japanese, has been produced in Japan for hundreds of years. If the design of spout is too complicated or the length of spout is very long, the mold has to be destroyed after casting. It is stumped on the surface of mold while the clay is still soft. In addition to that, it is also known to be well loved in Paris and England. There are a few patterns traditionally used for the cast iron kettle. It is very difficult to handle and in many cases it cracks easily during casting. It is essential always to remember not to use a teapot on an open fireplace. You must be very careful, and select the correct combination of Tetsubin, water, and Clay Tea Pot when preparing tea. These skills are determine by experiences, previous works, awards and others. Japanese people is well known for their longevity. On behalf of them, this articles will show the reasons behind it. Each of them bears a "Made in Japan" logo and the Iwachu symbol engraved as a guarantee of quality and genuine origin. Japanese cast iron teapots, called tetsubin or sometimes tetsukyusu, are a traditional part of the Japanese tea ceremony. This will keep the glossy outlook of tetsubin. When molten iron is poured into the mold, the embossed pattern appears on the surface as it is inside out. Modern-day Nambu ironware also utilizes cast metal produced near Morioka, in the Sendai domain or current day Oshu City. However, if you compare two different cups of tea, one brewed with water from a Tetsubin, and one brewed in a stainless steel teapot; you will find that the cup brewed using water from a Tetsubin will definitely have a deeper aroma and flavor. Yamagata tetsubin are sometimes produced using metal dry molds. As tetsukyusu are well-known in the Western market, we thought it would be useful to share some tips to take care of your Japanese teapot. Some Yamagata cast iron kettles are processed with silver inlay as influenced by Kyoto style. Great Value for Money: Suyika Japanese Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot. These equal electrical charges, that exist on both oxygen and hydrogen, cause water molecules to constantly spin when in a liquid state . It is not a secret anymore that apparently the reason behind this is due to their healthy lifestyle. But it is also used for making low-end cast iron kettle or tea pot. The mold for the bottom part has a center hole as this is where molten iron is poured. The hobnail design is one of the oldest and most classic tetsubin designs, favored by many for its simple beauty. Clay mold is made of sand mixed with natural binder. The cast iron teapot, also known as tetsubin in Japan, is a classical Japanese teapot made from sturdy cast iron. The Mizusawa city is located further south from Morioka city. In the old days, the casting technique was different. 5)After using the tetsubin for a few days to a week, you may observe, 6)In about 2 weeks time, you may observe some. Cast iron is known to be very hard-wearing. Free shipping. Next step is to steep tea directly in the iron cast kettle. Every part is made separately and the details of making it will be discussed in details in the following paragraphs. But why is it so difficult to recreate that flavor when you get home? The chemical structure of water is part of the key that explains how water changes when boiled in a Tetsubin. When they had completed their castle and township, they invited 4 famous casters from various places to settle down at Morioka. Ryumon-Do () is the very old workshop started in year 1764. The intense heat will give stress to the metal and the kettle cannot last up to 50 years of usage. 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Some brands have long stading history since the establishment of the Nambu cast iron. For the refine drawing line, mold can not be used more than one time as the pattern will be blurring. 5 out of 5 stars (1,604) . We wish you lots of fun with your Japanese cast iron kettle or teapot! The solid looking, jet-black color, and the calm cast surface. You can add more or less to meet your taste. But do not worry. It is the Southern part of Iwate prefecture. Tetsubin can be used over gas stoves or open fire. These trace minerals in iron gives more elasticity and flexibility in casting. As the result of slow evaporation, we feel a much deeper and longer lasting flavor in our mouth. 3: Pour the hot water into the teapot and steep as per the tea's instructions As mentioned earlier, do not place the kettle directly on a heat source to avoid damaging or cracking it. Usually caster control the production based on nothing but the viscosity of molten iron and its sparks. The design is much influenced by Kyoto style. They look great! Your seller should be able to tell you the origin of the teapot. The spout is stuck when trying to remove it from the mold and usually the mold is partially destroyed. In finding the solution for this problem, lots of trial and error were made, one of them is gathered artisans all over Japan and started an association of making cast iron kettle. After removing the rust from your cast iron teapot, boiloolongorgreen tealeaves and leave it to cool off inside the cast iron teapot. The mold for the bottom part of kettle is made according to the same method. All the natural can be found from the Iwate prefecture. Occasionally some artists like to paint urushi inside the kettle in order to protect the iron from rusting. It is done to remove the odor that comes with a new Tetsubin. $59.95. When the internal mold is ready, the internal mold is scraped according to the required thickness of the iron. Nowadays the number of artist who use silver inlay is very limited as there is no more Kyoto style up-to-date. It is great for making tea with long lasting flavor and taste. In Japan, the cast iron tetsubin teapot is traditionally used as a sencha teapot to heat water and brew sencha tea in teacups. The handle never gets hot even if it is made of solid material. It is during that era when Japanese Literati (a group of artists who considered themselves intellectuals), adopted Sencha as their primary drink. Vintage Japanese Tetsubin NAMBU TEKKI 2.25 CUP -18oz Cast iron tea pot 'A Gem of Iron' Classic Japanese design w/iron teacups Japanese Tetsubin Teapot Coated with Enameled Interior, Durable Cast Iron Teapot with Stainless Steel Infuser 1000ml 4.5 out of 5 stars (64) However Hada texture is not that simple. . Sometimes if lucky, there is some quantity of sand iron that was kept by the earlier generation. Clay teapots are typically used to brew green teas since the porous clay absorbs the flavor of each brew. Hard to maintain, easily break, easily rusted Are all the statements true? There is less reason to look for an old tetsubin considering that there are existing brands producing very good quality and also satetsu tetsubin is being continuously produced until today. If you do not like it, you can apply green tea on it to reduce the rust and it will turn to dark color. No one knows precisely when Tetsubin first appeared in Japan, but evidence shows a close link to the rise of Sencha (). It is the formality for most people to use a teapot to brewgreen tea. Yamagata style is well supported by professional tea master, The history of Nanbu cast iron ware (kettle) has started back in 400 years ago when the 27th king of Nanbu clan, named Nanbu Toshinao started to build his castle town at Morioka. In contrast to contemporary over-consumption, wabi-sabi encourages simplicity and authenticity in everything. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VTG Nambu Tekki TETSUBIN (H13cm) Iron tea kettle - JAPAN JAPANESE F24929 at the best online prices at eBay! The minerals also prevent rust from forming. To find out about the other tools of a Japanese tea ceremony, take a look at these 19 Essential Japanese Tea Ceremony Utensils. Brewing tea in a cast iron teapot is similar to steeping in a ceramic teapot. To brew tea in a cast iron teapot, you have to steep the tea leaves in hot water. The kettle made with sand mold is different from hand-made kettle in terms of: The cost of hand-made cast iron kettle is very high as the clay mold can only be used for very limited times. Manufacture usually try to introduce a certain design that is less obvious to see the effect of recycling, such as sand pattern: or . Majority of hand-made kettle in the market has a solid handle. When it comes to hard-wearing, cast iron material stands out. Rinse out your new cast-iron kettle with warm water and repeat the process a couple of time. While some said that it is the same things,Actually is it NOT. Outside Japan and especially in the Western market, the most famous Japanese teapot is the tetsukyusu () (iron teapot), a cast iron teapot that outwardly looks like a tetsubin. It this recommended that you use a teaspoon per 8-ounces of water. A single misstep can ruin the whole molding process. Tea Leaf Reading Symbols - How To Interpret Them. 13 Things to Know about Japanese Hairpins, Choosing the Best Japanese Futon: All You Need to Know, Gion Kyoto: 20 Must-See Highlights of the Geisha District, The A-Z of Japanese Pottery: 32 Most Popular Ceramic Styles, Junji Ito: 10 Best Stories from Japans Master of Horror, What is Bunraku? Usually the high-end model is made with clay mold, while the low-end model is made with sand mold. If you have never tasted water boiled in a Tetsubin before, you are without a doubt, about to experience the taste of water as you have never imagined it could be . 10)The surface of tetsubin can be polished with a soft cloth which has been soaked with tea. Founded in 1902 in Iwate prefecture, Iwachu is one of the leading Japanese manufacturers of tetsubin and tetsukyusu. A tetsubins degree of finishing indicated the wealth of its owner, and thus could be appreciated as a status symbol. Some of the designs are included in museums and private collections. After weeks of use, it is normal for all Japanese cast iron teapots to develop red and white spots. Ships from San Francisco, CA. These combinations are refined and subtle taste sensation, however, you will perceive a flat taste that is contrary to your expectation, if you combine iron and clay elements incorrectly. He invited caster from Shiga prefecture and started the Mizusawa casting. If it i All About Tamari Sauce: A Great Alternative For Regular Soy Sauce, How to Choose The Right Japanese Soy Sauce (Shoyu), Nambu cast iron Kettle Tetsubin, A Traditional Handicraft for the people, Process of Making Nambu Cast Iron Tetsubin, Nambu Cast Iron Kettle is an Indispensable Item in Tea Ceremony, Benefits of using Nambu Cast Iron Kettle Tetsubin, Different between Nambu Cast Iron Kettle (Tetsubin) and Teapot (Kyuusu), Raising your own Nambu Cast Iron Kettle Tetsubin, Recommended Products for Nambu Cast Iron Kettle (Tetsubin), The Myth of Cast Iron and How Nambu Cast Iron Revoke it. Experts remove the infuser from the teapot so that the tea does not become too bitter while also keeping it hot. The type of water that one chooses to use in the Tetsubin. Only if customer prefer other option of payment, we suggest "Bank Transfer". On top of that, we select Seiko-Do as it represents Yamagata style. The product cast from over used mold has very blur in its pattern and easily recognized. Tetsubin are Japanese cast iron kettles equipped with a top handle, a lid, and a pouring spout. To find out more about shopping for Japanese teapots check out Kyusu: Choosing the Best Traditional Japanese Teapot. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'topictea_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_13',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-topictea_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Over time, your iron cast will develop rust depending with use and maintenance. When used as a kettle, the water boiled bears an elegant crisp and a sweet taste which is different from the lime scale taste with plastic teapots. Pay in 4 interest-free installments of $14.98 with. We suggest customer to consider high-end model made by famous artist in modern day. Benefits that iron gives us; Help on focusing Decrease irritability Give Stamina. Can this statement be applied to all cast iron acrossed the globe? This is nothing to worry about; its normal. The Japanese cast iron teapot became more popular in the early 19 century when the demand rose with the start of WWII. 2) After boiling the tetsubin for a few times, if the interior odor of tetsubin still remained, place, 3)Each time right after finish using the tetsubin, boil the remaining water and pour out the excess water from the tetsubin, and. Traditionally, Flower, Horse, Bird, and Sansui () is used as a motif. The sharpness of arare depends on the iron casters craftsmanship, as well as how many times the same mold is reused. This is because the Japanese have the most skilled teapot craftsmen. $279.90. Repeat brews if you wish. For casting the iron kettle, there are 2 different types of iron: normal iron and sand iron. The traditional Tetsubin was heated over charcoal to boil and pour a drink. Taking the external model, the internal mold is cast and baked. All the parts of mold for making spout are assembled and fixed into the external mold of kettle. Though it may seem odd now, many antique tetsubin have this same handle configuration. On the top of base coating, another layer of coating in black or brown color is applied. In the history, Mizusawa casting industry produced various kinds of weapon and cook ware. It would give a very different effect in taste compared to the original condition. The story begins since before the starting of Edo period, Nambu cast iron kettle Tetsubin begin to receive recognition across Japan. The series of the king of Nanbu clan was very profound learning, especially in tea culture. Lets take a look! The concept of Traditional Handicraft depends on five ideas which are: Items purpose and utility is for daily usageThough according to the history, Tetsubin was first use for tea ceremony and only for the feudal, the usage gradually extended and spread to the farmer and commoner. The solid handle is made of iron bar. There is also an interview done with the one of the Nambu Cast Iron Kettle maker. The pattern is stamped one by one by manual work. The excessively rusted interior no longer retains ferric, but ferrous. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Iwachu Iron Teapot Tetsubin, Green Pine Needle. Please note that Shimkzu Ken Reduction Sado Clay with Kunzan gives deeper after taste than oxidation clay. When it is heated on the induction heater, the iron locally expands and when it is cooled down, it shrinks. Then, fill it with water and let it boil and let it sit for a while before tipping out the water. On the other hand,black teatakes up to 5 minutes, and herbal tea can take 6 minutes. The goldfish represents good fortune according to Japanese culture, making it all the more symbolic. Sometimes we receive tetsubin from customer claiming that tetsubin was leaking. Rinse it with warm water and dry immediately after use with a dry cloth, to prevent rusting. Sponsored. The Nambu ironware comes from the fact that it was first produced in the Nambu domain, a feudal domain that encompasses where Morioka is located now. The Japanese associated the traditional Tetsubin withgreen tea, which has numerous antioxidants and nutrients. Usually this material is obtained from old sand iron kettle produced in Edo Era. Today, the cast iron teapots are only used for brewing tea, but they are also a beautiful decoration in the house. But they became to use a simple and convenient kettle due to changing circumstances. The making of handle is completely different from casting. Iwachu Japanese Iron Tetsubin Teapot, Hobnail, Black. Without this process, cast iron kettle is nothing but kettle. It is made of sand ball that is debossed on the mold. If the teapot lacks a built-in strainer, you need to strain the liquid through the tea strainer. However at that time, there is a problem with boiling and extracting tea leaves with hot water (Sencha Method). Another hypothesis is that the popularity of the tetsubin grew with the spread of sencha, Japanese loose leaf green tea. It shows the heart of the Japanese that recognizing products to be simple, humble and yet elegant. The longer they have operated and received recognition for their products the pricier the product can become. Arare and Hada are two design that become the representative of Nambu Cast Iron Kettle. The cast iron kettle is in the shape of Gundam helmet. Nevertheless, most of tetsubin manufacture as well as Japanese consumer does believe that any tetsubin works pretty well for any tea and with any teapot. Clay molds are used in the production of high-end artisanal Tetsubin products, while those Tetsubin mass produced by the hundreds using sand molds are destined for common commercial sales and export. In this case, stumping work has to be carried out for each product. In general, the use of a Tetsubin will enhance the taste of the water used. Therefore, you must decide your budget ahead. This effects our perception of the flavor and texture of the water itself, and most importantly, our taste buds can feel more taste, and a taste that stays longer in our mouths thanks to the stronger attraction of these hydrogen bonds and the metal ions of the Tetsubin. This iron balls can be used for boiling water in pots or any kitchenware. (2) The sand iron has much higher density than normal cast iron and therefore the heat retention is better. In order to avoid it, the bottom mold is fixed with iron nail. Once casting is completed, the iron kettle is baked in charcoal fire. It can be a depiction of birds, flowers, horses, landscape, or plants. As the process is very delicate and particular which can not be underestimate. As I mentioned earlier, old tetsubin does not give a higher value due to its condition, unless its a good design made by famous artist and was kept in a very good condition, it is highly valued as an antique piece. Although sometimes we may come across the artists who make cast iron kettle, most of them involve in personal scale or very limited production, making product meant for the exhibition.