Why YOU need Japanese Iron Kettles in your kitchen 

This traditional Japanese handicraft has its roots in the production of pots for tea ceremonies in the Nambu domain back in the mid-17th century. The abundance of iron resources in the area made it perfect for the foundry industry, and soon, casters were invited to the region to encourage production. The Koizumi family, a renowned teakettle caster from Kyoto, was tasked with creating iron kettles that were not only practical but also beautiful.
These iron kettles quickly gained popularity and came to be known as Nambu iron kettles, named after the Nambu domain. The fame of Nambu ironware spread quickly, and even Emperor Taisho himself was impressed when he visited the Tohoku region in 1908 and witnessed the eighth-generation Koizumi tea-caster demonstrating the production process. Today, all pieces produced in the Morioka and Mizusawa areas of Iwate prefecture are called Nambu ironware.
Nambu ironware is rust-resistant, long-lasting, well-insulated, and provides a uniform circulation of heat. The exterior of the kettle has a bumpy textured pattern called arare or hailstone, which is often used to help increase the surface area of iron kettles. The iron kettles that are representative of Nambu ironware will vary individually because each artisan is free to create any arare pattern they like. Iron kettles are the most popular Nambu ironware item, but there are also Nambu ironware saucepans, wind chimes, and accessories.
Discover the magic of Nambu ironware and see why it has remained a beloved Japanese handicraft for centuries. Whether you're a tea lover or simply appreciate the beauty of traditional craftsmanship, Nambu ironware is sure to leave you in awe.