Do not use the teapot on the stove or put in the microwave, oven or dishwasher. Rinse with warm water after use, using a mild washing-up liquid if necessary, do not use steel wool or abrasive cleaners as this may damage the coating. Always leave to dry with the lid off and towel dry the outside of the teapot to prevent rust. The removable stainless steel strainer may be washed in the dishwasher on the top rack. Although Tetsu Kyusu are very sturdy, dropping them may damage the enamel layer or even cause the cast iron body to break. Avoid cold shocks (e.g. placing in the refrigerator or freezer) as this can also cause the pot to crack or break. Place the teapot on a trivet to avoid any damage or discoloration to surfaces.
Tetsu-Kyusu
Arare Mangetsu
Oigen
SKU
5614
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
Charming round Japanese cast iron Tetsu Kyusu teapot with classic dotted Arare pattern by the renowned Nanbu Tekki foundry, Oigen. This design has a storage-friendly collapsible handle, an enamel coated interior and removable stainless steel strainer.
| Item | Cast iron teapot, black |
| Origin | Oshu, Iwate, Japan |
| Brand | Oigen |
| Volume | 650ml |
| Dimensions | W16.3ｘD13.2ｘH16.4cm |
| Weight | 1.3kg |
| Pattern | Arare (霰 "hail") |
| Coating | Cashew-nut resin exterior, enamel interior |
| Strainer | Removable stainless steel basket |
In stock
Oigen 及源
Since 1852, Oigen has been manufacturing kettles, pans and other cast ironware in the city of Oshu, Iwate prefecture: the home of Nanbu Tekki. The fifth generation family-run company is renowned for their functional, hard-wearing yet stylish products, scrupulously handcrafted to ensure they last a lifetime and bring joy to their customers. What’s more, they are made of up to 75% recycled materials, by incorporating melted down cast iron scraps.
Tetsu-Kyusu 鉄急須
The tetsu-kyusu, literally “iron teapot” has all the rustic charm of the Japanese cast iron tetsubin kettle, but is designed for brewing tea, and not for boiling water. Typically smaller, cheaper and lower maintenance than its predecessor, the tetsu-kyusu comes with a removable stainless steel mesh strainer and is coated with a smooth, shiny enamel on the inside, which means it won’t rust and doesn’t require seasoning. As tetstu-kyusu are made of solid cast iron, they have excellent heat retention, are highly durable, and with good care can be used to brew tea for a lifetime. Pair tetsu-kyusu with teas that are best enjoyed hot like bancha and hojicha, as well as black, rooibos and Chinese teas, making sure to pre-warm the teapot to keep teas hotter for longer and removing the tea strainer once the tea has brewed to prevent over-brewing.
Nanbu Tekki 南部鉄器
The origins of Nanbu Tekki or “Nanbu ironware” go back to the mid-17th century, when the Nanbu samurai clan were in need of Buddhist altars, bells and chagama tea pots to furnish their newly built castle in Morioka, Iwate prefecture, and so invited skilled metal casters from across the country to lend them a hand. Although the name Nanbu is written in the kanji as “southern region” the clan ruled in the north of Japan, where materials needed for ironwork were naturally abundant. Highly durable, Nanbu Tekki wares are often deemed the best metalwork in Japan and make beloved heirlooms – particularly cast iron kettles or tetsubin, which are also highly sought after by collectors around the world. In 1975 Nanbu Tekki was designated the first certified Traditional Craft of Japan, and exclusively refers to cast iron products made in the cities of Morioka and Oshu.
