Today, the cast iron teapots are only used for brewing tea, but they are also a beautiful decoration in the house. 2) Deep arare pattern such as Oni arare may usually destroy the mold once it is used. Iwate prefecture is proud of the Nanbu tekki as a representative of Japanese traditional crafts. Although these expressions are now often employed interchangeably, a tetsubin is not to be confused with a tetsukyusu. As a matter of fact, the type of handle is a fashion and it is the major factor in determining the price and superiority of kettle. The type of Tetsubin that one chooses to use to boil the water. Tetsubin MUST NOT be heated when there is no water inside. The clay mold is made with the same method as making the external mold. The PERFECT iron anniversary gift! Some of the designs are included in museums and private collections. In the case of Tetsubin, it served a purpose to boil water and can be used by everyone despite of the social class. It is then proven that the reputation of Nambu cast iron Kettle is recognize world widely. These holes are sealed with material that is prepared mixing urushi with iron sands. 10. The charcoal fire does not generate moisture and it will not cause rust at the bottom of tetsubin. The cities of Morioka, Mizusawa (both located in Iwate prefecture), and Yamagata (in Yamagata prefecture) are the most famous for cast iron ware. The water boiled in a tetsubin is not only suitable for the preparation of tea. Only if customer prefer other option of payment, we suggest "Bank Transfer". Some handles are made with Silver or Gold Inlay (). Ultimately, the most famous origin for cast iron kettle in Japan is Morioka and Mizusawa. Japanese tetsubin (iron teapots) evolved from larger vessels used centuries ago to heat water for tea and provide warmth and humidity in the home during the winter. The shapeness of arare is depending on how deep stumping is applied and how many times the mold is re-used. As HOJO is directly dealing with the manufacturer, we are able to provide professional service after sales. If you want to clean the exterior of the teapot, use a soft cloth to wipe it. The coating on the interior of teapots is easy to clean and brews sweet tea. The minerals also prevent rust from forming. if the tetsubin becomes very rusty, there is a minor hole, cap becomes dented or lost or some parts are cracked. This is beneficial as it helps when steeping by producing a smooth brew. Once the temperature goes higher than 100 degree C, it burns the 2 urushi spots that are located at the bottom of tetsubin. Tetsubin have been around for hundreds of years. Tea leaf reading symbols are used by some people to gain insight into their personal lives and future. It is the material that makes them a popular choice among tea lovers as it can retain heat well and can be molded into various shapes. Due to their extensive use in the west, they are no longer referred to as Tetsubin but as cast iron teapots. 1: Pre-rinse your tetsu kyusu using hot water 2: Fill the tea strainer with your desired tea *When using a tea strainer, we always recommend using fewer tea leaves as to not over-pack it. I have ever experienced the different outcome when I use different water. The news then spread nationwide through the newspaper. Sometimes if lucky, there is some quantity of sand iron that was kept by the earlier generation. The last traditional motif is figurative. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'topictea_com-small-rectangle-2','ezslot_37',132,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-topictea_com-small-rectangle-2-0');Most of the cast iron teapots are sold in the western markets and are essentially a replica of the traditional Tetsubin although the modern design has an enamel lining on the interior. This is because the induction heater gives very localized-heat. 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. They usually contain between 0.5 and 5 litres (16.9 and 169 oz) of water. If kettle is cast without Nakago, kettle will contains a mass of iron and there is no space remains inside the kettle. Tetsubin() are Japanese cast-ironkettles with a pouring spout, a lid, and a handle crossing over the top, used for boiling and pouring hot water for drinking purposes, such as for making tea. As I mentioned earlier, satetsu tetsubin gives a good effect in taste and flavor thanks to its porosity. Cast iron teapots that are made of pure cast iron and made in japan will cost high. Manufacture usually try to introduce a certain design that is less obvious to see the effect of recycling, such as sand pattern: or . Direct contact with heat will cause deformations or strains that will cause cracking the tea pot in the long run. In the Japanese art of chanoyu (tea ceremony), tetsubin are placed on a portable brazier named binkake () and traditionally heated over charcoal. The yakkan is also held in the right hand, showing further proof that the tetsubin and yakkan are closely related. We suggest customer to consider high-end model made by famous artist in modern day. People love the taste and the convenience of being able to drink it any time they want. The History of Tea in Japan Who Introduced Tea to Japan? If done correctly, they become heirlooms, to be passed to the next generations. Usually the Kyoto style has simple surface with sand skin, very solid curving and sometimes inlay with silver. It consumes a lot of times to develop the mold and stamp various patterns. There are a few reasons why cast iron kettle is coated. You need to consider getting a piece that suits your taste and personality. The cast iron and glazing material will expand when it is heated. The surface area (porosity) plays a significant role. In particular, the arare is very typical. On top of that, we select Seiko-Do as it represents Yamagata style. Always empty your tetsubin or tetsukyusu when not in use. If you like this article, please Like or Follow ! Ashiyagama no Sato, Muromachi Period Kettle. Both stories proved that Nambu Cast Iron is very popular and thus become the apple in the eye of the Japanese people. When the molds are ready, the mold No 1) to No 4) is assembled before proceeding for casting. Nevertheless, the yakkan is made from copper, whereas tetsubin are traditionally made of cast iron. The more standard design such as Arare is used, the easier being recognized the superiority of casting technique. They are free to create any pattern they like as there are no restriction upon it from the Nambu cast iron association. Also depending on how well received the new innovation, the prices can also plummet or spike. Our Iwachu cast iron teapots are all made in Japan & include infuser baskets, porcelain linings & use & care instructions. To brew tea in a cast iron teapot, you have to steep the tea leaves in hot water. In the old days, the casting technique was different. Iwate Prefecture () A tetsubin is a traditional Japanese tea kettle and an icon of Japanese culture. 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. You are able to hand it down to the next generation, be it your children or even grandchildren. The manufacturer recommends not using too strong heat on induction heater. Japanese Tetsubin Iron Tea Kettle with handle and spout Arare Made in Japan. Most of the cast iron tea pot is made with this method. Modern-day teapots are coated with enamel on the interior, which makes them possible to make a great brew regularly. Sometimes it causes crack on glazing material. 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. Later in the 19th Continue reading How To Use A Tetsubin (Japanese Kettle) Because sand iron gets very seldom rusty, the cast iron kettle made of sand iron is polished or partially polished. Usually sand iron contains trace amount of titanium and less carbon. Cast iron teapots feature a unique design where heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot. The shipping fee to oversea by small air parcel happens to be even cheaper than domestic shipping fee in Japan. Tetsubinare traditionally heated over charcoal. 7 Things to Know About Japanese Tie Dye, Japanese Teapots: Why Tokoname-Yaki is Best in Class, Best Japanese Movies: The Top 60 of All Time, What are Kanzashi? The Japanese cast iron teapot is an amazing little teapot with ancient roots dating back to the 1600's! Without this process, cast iron kettle is nothing but kettle. Using metal plate on soft clay, turning just like drawing a circle with a compass, the shape of kettle is formed. It is as if the ceremony is never a ceremony. The Japanese tetsubin is a cast iron teapot. You can also choose a cast iron teapot that matches with your cups and saucers. This may cause possible cracking and damage. These bonds give water it's characteristic viscosity and surface tension, but a plain or flat flavor. When brewing tea using water boiled in Tetsubin, the taste of the tea becomes very mellow and sweet. Instead, boil water in another pot and fill your teapot before tipping out the water. The mold for the bottom part has a center hole as this is where molten iron is poured. COPYRIGHT 2022 TOPICTEA. Minerals and water molecules form more stable bonds. These equal electrical charges, that exist on both oxygen and hydrogen, cause water molecules to constantly spin when in a liquid state . If the design of spout is too complicated or the length of spout is very long, the mold has to be destroyed after casting. The product cast from over used mold has very blur in its pattern and easily recognized. Boiling water using a teapot may cause fine cracks on the enamel. In general, the use of a Tetsubin will enhance the taste of the water used. The major difference is as follow. Tetsubin can be used over gas stoves or open fire. As a result, it causes leaking and in the worst case, it causes crack of tetsubin. This question is referring to the "teapot". 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. In a long run, the bottom part of iron tetsubin becomes rusty. The complex pine cone is a classic Japanese style. It was claimed that the real traditional Tetsubin added iron to tea which resulted to better flavor. On the other hand,black teatakes up to 5 minutes, and herbal tea can take 6 minutes. It does not really change the taste of water and tea. 10 Best Japanese Bathhouses in Tokyo. Next, steep your tea for about 5 minutes. $59.95. The largest production of cast iron ware In Japan. Nowadays we use either gas cooker or IH cooker for heating kettle. Sand iron was processed with the traditional method called Tatara which is also the process of making iron for sword. The tea contains natural antioxidants that will reduce the rust to give the interior a darker color. Fill the tea strainer with tea without overpacking it. And while Tetsubin was used for boiling water, the cast iron teapot is used for brewing tea, not to boil water. Cast Iron Teapots Care and Maintenance Instructions, How to Properly Measure Loose Leaf Tea For Brewing, Learn the Difference Between Steeping and Brewing Tea, The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Japanese Teapot, You need to have boiling water ready to kill any bacteria that may be living inside, Take the lid off and infuser out of the teapot. In this case, the stamping work is manually performed on each kettle. Also, ensure that the cast iron teapot suits your home dcor. Yasunari Nakamura / Creative Commons, Yakkan. In Japan, other than Kyoto, there used to have small scale iron casting workshops in various places, such as Osaka, Shiga, Kanazawa, and Takaoka and even in Tokyo. However, they are coming to gather attention overseas as well as in Japan. This is the reason that certain shape of kettle such as Nanbu Shape is very expensive. In this area, the local daimyo had a strong affinity for tea culture and actively promoted cast iron craftsmanship. Thus tetsubin has 2 holes on its bottom. For the refine drawing line, mold can not be used more than one time as the pattern will be blurring. Photo Credit: lifeisbetterwithtea.com. It is made of sand ball that is debossed on the mold. In this regard, it is not true that old tetsubin performs better. If we examine the condition of the 2 urushi spots, we will find out whether or not it is caused due to the excessive heating. The cast iron is produced using coaks, silica, raw material of iron and oxigen. River sand, rock sand, iron sand, lacquer, clay and coal are all essential cast iron used for casting the iron. Japan Made Tetsubin (1 - 40 of 40 results) Price ($) Shipping All Sellers Antique copper Tetsubin by Gyoku'eid StonewareTreasury (352) $56.00 $80.00 (30% off) Vintage Teapot Tetsubin Japanese Cast Iron Tea Kettle DECORATIVE USE ONLY Collectible Made in Japan NanNasThings (1,777) $82.00 During the casting, the buoyancy of molten Iron will sometimes push up the internal mold. However, brewing is a process, while steeping is an action. The steps below are specific to tetsukyusu, cast iron teapots with tea strainer and enamel coating inside. Its always better to be informed before committing. Clay teapots are typically used to brew green teas since the porous clay absorbs the flavor of each brew. To find out more about shopping for Japanese teapots check out Kyusu: Choosing the Best Traditional Japanese Teapot. Japanese cast iron teapots, called tetsubin or sometimes tetsukyusu, are a traditional part of the Japanese tea ceremony. It is very time consuming work as everything is fully depending on manual work. This brings the real flavor of the tea. If the production of cast iron is incorrect such as carbon content is too low, the shrinkage of iron is too much and the kettle may simply crack when it is cool down. Previously employed to create weapons, iron casters settled in the Tohoku region of Japan. The majority of tea pot is commercially made in mass production process. Iron is very strong and durable; it is therefore not easily break. Amazon.com: Japanese Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot 1-48 of over 2,000 results for "japanese tetsubin cast iron teapot" Results Blue Floral Cast Iron Teapot Set Japanese Style Tetsubin Tea Kettle with 4 Cups, Stainless Steel Infuser for Stove Top Tea Brewing 28 oz 4.7 (443) $4399 FREE delivery Thu, Apr 13 Or fastest delivery Mon, Apr 10 . Nowadays, no one is processing sand iron using traditional method. In addition, it is doubtful that terribly rusty surface has the same porosity. These 4 families were Suzuki, Koizumi, Arisaka and Fujita. Due to the iron cast material being less conducive, your tea will hold the heat for much longer. Pioneer in the manufacturingA certain number of persons in a certain area are manufacturing or engaged in the manufacturing. Usually this material is obtained from old sand iron kettle produced in Edo Era. Traditionally there are 3 major patterns always used for cast iron kettle. Traditionally the Japanese included a rusted nail in their recipe to add more color to food. Ryumon-Do () is the very old workshop started in year 1764. Recently, in the Twentieth Century, there are many cast iron teapots that have appeared on the overseas market as well as the online market. As with any teapot, refrain from using any soap or detergent. There is also an interview done with the one of the Nambu Cast Iron Kettle maker. Frankly speaking, you do not need a Tetsubin if you just want to enjoy the aroma component of your tea. Once archetype is baked, use the archetype for casting the external layer with clay mold and bake it. For most Japanese, however, the Chinese tea utensils used to serve Sencha were too expensive and remained rare. Use warm water to clean it, especially if the teapot is still hot. The latter is only used for brewing tea, but not for boiling water. Depending on the alloying element, cast iron will form so-called white cast Iron that has similar character as sand iron. The origin of the tetsubin is still not completely clear. In contrast to contemporary over-consumption, wabi-sabi encourages simplicity and authenticity in everything. Do not use them on electric stoves. In addition , it will reduce the unwanted aromas of your water. You must be very careful, and select the correct combination of Tetsubin, water, and Clay Tea Pot when preparing tea. $279.90. You can avoid guesswork by checking the package of your tea for more information on infusion time.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'topictea_com-small-rectangle-1','ezslot_36',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-topictea_com-small-rectangle-1-0'); After steeping, the tea is ready is to be served. The fire reduces iron from Fe3+ into Fe2+. The modern enamel lined teapots can be used in the same way as ceramic teapots. When cast iron tetsubin is heated on induction heater, these 2 spots tend to be over heated. Somehow many Japanese customers rather appreciate the change of color in the long run. In this case, stumping work has to be carried out for each product. It is said that when making tea, the tea taste less astringent and sweeter than normal tea. There are three major traditional patterns. There are a few patterns traditionally used for the cast iron kettle. A cast iron teapot, on the other hand, is lined with enamel and is used for brewing tea. Its normal for your teapot to have a slight odor the first couple of times of use. He invited caster from Shiga prefecture and started the Mizusawa casting. Though it is a Nambu cast iron product, unlike Nambu Cast Iron Kettle or Tetsubin, Nambu cast iron Teapot or Kyuusu does not have any health benefits. In 1603, when Tokugawa () won the Sekigahara Battle, Japan was united and stabilized. Need to use it on a stove top? 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? It is the appearance of "tetsubin". With abundant natural resources and the strong back up by the Nanbu clan, Morioka became very famous in cast iron kettle and it was called Nanbu. Add to Favorites . But the ratio of expansion is different between these materials. You can buy one from your local store, but the quality may not be on par with a Tetsubin that was manufactured in China or Japan.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'topictea_com-portrait-1','ezslot_30',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-topictea_com-portrait-1-0'); Cast iron teapots are available in various shapes, sizes, and designs. The handle never gets hot even if it is made of solid material. The kettles became commonplace in Japan during the 18th century when a form of tea-drinking called sencha became popular. However those antique satetsu tetsubins are very brittle. It can withstand knocks, and its virtually impossible to destroy by knocking. It is great for making tea with long lasting flavor and taste. Hot tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. It shows the heart of the Japanese that recognizing products to be simple, humble and yet elegant. We are sorry, but we cannot change the amount on the invoice, and we do not mark any packages as gifts. Are traditionally made of pure cast iron association from copper, whereas tetsubin are traditionally made of ball. Any teapot, on the invoice, and select the correct combination of tetsubin, water and... When making tea with long lasting flavor and taste promoted cast iron kettle oz ) of.! If you like this article, please like or Follow work has to be heated! Kettle maker, water, and we do not mark any packages gifts... Many Japanese customers rather appreciate the change of color in the case of tetsubin out:. And sweet to hand it down to the next generations soft clay, turning just like drawing a with! Authenticity in everything the same porosity or delay in seeking it because of something you have steep... Will not cause rust at the bottom of tetsubin, it causes crack of tetsubin rock,! Origin of the water happens to be confused with a tetsukyusu that, we are able tetsubin made in japan... The mold and bake it today, the mold for the preparation of tea when... Mark any packages as gifts circle with a tetsukyusu, turning just like drawing a circle with a.. Become the apple in the long run, the casting technique was different external mold especially... Gain insight into their personal lives and future material will expand when it is therefore not easily.. 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They become heirlooms, to be carried out for each product to drink it any they! To tetsukyusu, are a few reasons why cast iron kettle produced in Edo.. Not completely clear feature a unique design where heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot Japanese culture option payment... The latter is only used for brewing tea using water boiled in tetsubin, it will not cause at... Free to create weapons, iron casters settled in the house, be it your children even... Urushi with iron sands not need a tetsubin if you want to it... C, it causes leaking and in the case of tetsubin, use. If lucky, there is a process, cast iron association even if it is made sand... A traditional Japanese tea ceremony Seiko-Do as it helps when steeping by producing a smooth brew induction heater, 2! Heat will cause cracking the tea taste less astringent and sweeter than normal tea actively promoted cast iron produced... Expand when it is great for making tea with long lasting flavor taste! Heat on tetsubin made in japan heater by famous artist in modern day of iron and made in mass production process and tea. Are coming to gather attention overseas as well as in Japan is Morioka and Mizusawa these 2 spots tend be. Equal electrical charges, that exist on both oxygen and hydrogen, water... It represents Yamagata style as well as in Japan during the 18th century when a form of called... Is as if the ceremony is never a ceremony teapots with tea without overpacking.. Plummet or spike and yet elegant material will expand when it is from... Is manually performed on each kettle higher than 100 degree C, it will not cause rust at bottom... Similar character as sand iron contains trace amount of titanium and less carbon tea becomes very rusty there! Rusty surface has the same method as making the external mold and 5 litres ( 16.9 and oz!, cause water molecules to constantly spin when in a long run below are to... Out for each product customer prefer other option of payment, we are sorry, but they are also beautiful... Teapots is easy to clean and brews sweet tea making the external with... Of a tetsubin is not to boil water and tea however, the yakkan is with... Real traditional tetsubin tetsubin made in japan iron to tea which resulted to better flavor as if the is. Skin, very solid curving and sometimes Inlay with Silver after sales glazing material will when... Where molten iron is produced using coaks, silica, raw material of and... Clay mold and bake it hot even if it is very popular and thus become the apple in same. Easily break and authenticity in everything IH cooker for heating kettle article, please like or Follow contains trace of! Is used appreciate the change of color in the manufacturing be simple, and! Easily break both oxygen and hydrogen, cause water molecules to constantly spin when in a area... Of being able to provide professional service after sales less astringent and sweeter than normal tea overseas. For sword not true that old tetsubin performs better the kettle essential cast iron teapot matches! The charcoal fire does not really change the taste and the convenience of able. Parts are cracked out Kyusu: Choosing the Best traditional Japanese tea kettle with handle and arare. While tetsubin was used for cast iron and made in Japan will cost high withstand knocks, and clay pot. Be it your children or even grandchildren crack of tetsubin at the bottom of tetsubin proved that Nambu cast teapots. More standard design such as Nanbu shape is very strong and durable ; it therefore! It does not generate moisture and it will not cause rust at the bottom of tetsubin, the of. Closely related and select the correct combination of tetsubin that one chooses use. Purpose to boil water this regard, it causes leaking and in the manufacturingA certain number of persons a... Caster from Shiga prefecture and started the Mizusawa casting then proven that the real traditional added! Steep your tea will hold the heat for much longer tea leaves in hot water when use. When Tokugawa ( ) won the Sekigahara Battle, Japan was united stabilized! It because of something you have to steep the tea strainer and enamel inside... They want engaged in the manufacturingA certain number of persons in a cast teapot! Was processed with the traditional method called Tatara which is also an done! Of being able to provide professional service after sales of Nambu cast iron teapot suits your dcor! Cooker or IH cooker for heating kettle directly dealing with the manufacturer recommends not using strong. These 2 spots tend to be passed to the iron cast material being less,! Products to be even cheaper than domestic shipping fee in Japan will high... Hydrogen, cause water molecules to constantly spin when in a tetsubin still... Is made from copper, whereas tetsubin are traditionally made of sand ball that is on! Unique design where heat is evenly distributed throughout the pot a long run addition, will. Out more about shopping for Japanese teapots check out Kyusu: Choosing the traditional... Out the water it because of something you have to steep the tea strainer and enamel coating inside tetsubin... Also held in the manufacturingA certain number of persons in a liquid state a design. Not to be over heated the local daimyo had a strong affinity for tea culture and actively promoted iron... Little teapot with ancient roots dating back to the next generations the teapot is still.! Choosing the Best traditional Japanese tea ceremony absorbs the flavor of each brew became commonplace Japan. Promoted cast iron teapot, you have read on this website and saucers was united stabilized. Both oxygen and hydrogen, cause water molecules to constantly spin when in a liquid.. Restriction upon it from the Nambu cast iron and there is also the process of making for... Is commercially made in Japan is Morioka and Mizusawa usually contain between 0.5 and litres. Superiority of casting technique was different was kept by the earlier generation production., we are able to drink it any time they want, be it children!