This handcrafted tetsubin (鉄瓶 - cast iron kettle) is cast from Japanese iron in the striking axle shape (車軸型 - shajiku-gata), and is decorated with the traditional surface pattern of small bumps in a tortoiseshell pattern called kikkō (亀甲). Holding 1.2 litres (40 oz.), this kettle is ideal for solo or group tea sessions.  

Unlike the mass-produced enamel-coated "tetsubin" that are readily available, this traditional, handmade kettl is designed for boiling water on the stove, not for brewing tea, and as such does not have a filter or infuser basket. While we suggest using a kyusu to brew tea, you can boil tea on the stove in a tetsubin, especially sobacha and mugicha.

Real tetsubin are famous for their ability to change the flavour of water. The permeable lacquer coating allows iron to enter the water as it boils, softening the flavour. In Japan tetsubin water is said to improve the flavour of tea made with it, and is also touted as being a healthy way to increase your iron intake.

Each tetsubin is cast by hand, by so there may be subtle variations in colour. 

These tetsubin are crafted by Kunzan Kōbō (薫山工房) in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. This area has been known for its tetsubin and iron work since the early Edo period. Iron work from this region is known as Nanbu Tekki (南部鉄器). Kunzan is headed by third generation craftsman Sasaki Kazuo (佐々木和夫) who has strived to preserve traditional techniques as well as innovate with modern designs.

Dimensions:

19.1cm (7.5in) - width
18.6cm (7.3in) - height
1200ml - capacity

Condition: New

This Japanese item ships from the United States. 

Notes for use:

• Before first use, rinse the inside of the kettle out and boil water 2-3 times, discarding the water. After the third time, the kettle will be seasoned and ready to use
• This kettle is ideally suited for gas, charcoal, and induction heating (bottom diameter of 80mm), but can also work on electric coils. In all cases, keep the heat low-medium
• When heating water, leave the lid slightly ajar to let steam escape, ideally position so that the steam doesn't directly heat the handle 
• The lid and handle will get hot so be sure to use a cloth while handling and use it to hold the lid down while pouring
• The handle is fixed and does not fold down, do not try to force it
• When you're done using the testubin, empty it while hot and allow the residual heat to dry the inside with the lid off. Never leave water in a tetsubin, as this can promote rusting, especially on new pieces
• Allow it to thoroughly dry before storing it
• Never heat an empty pot as it can damage it. If you do, be sure to let it cool slowly, rather than shocking it with cold water

Maintenance:

• Wiping the outer surface with a slightly damp (or better yet, tea dampened) cloth while hot will bring out a lustre over time
• Only ever rinse the tetsubin with water, never scrubbing it or using detergents on it. The surface finish treatments, both inside and out, are delicate and would be ruined
• Small red and white spots will appear on the inside of the kettle. This is normal and is part of how a tetsubin interacts with water. Do not attempt to remove them with scrubbing or detergent. Iron will rust, but the lacquer coating and oxide films will keep this to a minimum. As long as the water is clear and tastes good, then the tetsubin is functioning properly, even if the inside is red.
• If significant rust does form and the water turns cloudy, this can be fixed by boiling tea leaves repeatedly in the tetsubin. The catechins in the tea leaves will transform the red rest in to black rust. 

The traditional process of crafting a tetsubin is long and intensive, here is a condensed overview:

1. The design is drafted turned into an outer mould
2. As the mould dries, the surface pattern is hand-applied
3. The mould is dried and charcoal fired to 1300C
4.  An inner core mould 2mm smaller than the outer mould is made from clay and river sand
5. The moulds are covered in soot to prepare for casting
6. Molten iron is poured into the moulds, filling the 2mm gap between inner and outer mould
7. The inner core mould is removed from the cast piece. The kettle is then held over an 800C charcoal flame for 30-40 minutes to form a rust-resistant oxide film
8. The cast piece is filed and finished by heating it again to 300C while painting it with black urushi lacquer. This is followed by another coating of a mixture of tea and iron acetate. The handle is then attatched.