The name Iwachu is synonymous with cast iron goods of the highest quality, and the brand's versatile product range extends from classic cast iron kettles (tetsubin), teapots (tetsu kyusu) and related accessories to bells, pans and much more. The manufacturer has boasted its own tradition since its founding in the Meiji period and throughout the 400-year-old Nanbu tekki tradition. It also has its own production line. Every step, from design planning to manufacturing to sales, is carried out by the company itself. Iwachu is dedicated to producing robust cast iron products with excellent functionality and contemporary design. Master casters at the company are required to undergo a minimum of 15 years of training, meaning that all products meet the highest quality standards.
Tetsu Kyusu
Nanbu Arare
Black
Iwachu
SKU
0374
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.
Original black cast iron teapot by Iwachu, Japan. Handmade masterpiece with a removable stainless steel tea strainer, enamelled interior, the classic arare pattern on the outside and Nanbu shape. 1L
| Type | Nanbu Tekki tetsu kyusu |
| Origin | Morioka, Iwate, Japan |
| Studio/Artist | Iwachu |
| Maximum Capacity | 1L |
| Dimensions | 15 x 16 x 10.5cm |
| Weight | 1.3kg |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Pattern | Arare pattern (霰; hail) |
| Coating | Enamelled interior, urethane coating on the exterior |
| Stove Use | Not suitable for use on the stove; please use only for brewing tea |
| Strainer | Removable stainless steel strainer |
| Artist's Stamp | Iwachu stamp |
| Packaging | High-quality gift box from Iwachu |
In stock
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, 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, such as 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 to remove 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, can be traced back to the mid-17th century, when the Nanbu samurai clan were in need of Buddhist altars, bells and chagama teapots 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 kanji as "southern region", the clan ruled in the north of Japan, where materials needed for ironwork were naturally abundant. Highly durable, Nanbu Tekki is often deemed the best metalwork in Japan and makes 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. The name Nanbu Tekki refers exclusively to cast iron products made in the cities of Morioka and Oshu.
