Nambu: 10 Things to Know About Japanese Cast Iron Kettles

by Cassandra Lord | CRAFT

Tea has an important place in Japanese culture, so it makes sense that there are so many different types of teapot and tea kettle. But it’s said that Japanese Nambu Ironware (nambu tekki or 南部鉄器), is the best option for serving tea. Let’s take a look at how it earned that reputation.

1. What is Nambu Ironware?

Nambu Ironware is the name given to the traditional iron craft in a region formerly known as Nambu, in modern-day Iwate Prefecture.

The craft is mainly known for its teapots and kettles, but of course the iron can be fashioned into a number of other decorative and practical items, such as trivets and wind chimes. Nambu ironware is rust-resistant and long-lasting, so although it can be expensive, it justifies its price tag.

2. How are Nambu Cast Iron Kettles Made?

To this day, Nambu Ironware is still made by hand in a labor-intensive process involving many steps. Although there may be slight differences depending on the artisan, the usual process involves:

Sketching the design
Molding
Pattern making
Internal mold making
Mold baking
Mold assembly
Casting in the mold
Cleaning and polishing
Lacquering and coloring
Handle creation and attaching

Perhaps surprisingly, the iron doesn’t come into play until step seven. But because the ironware is made using molds, it means more than one piece can be made using the same mold.

3. What types of Nambu Ironware Are There?

Historically, there have been two main types of Nambu Ironware: Mizusawa and Morioka. Production of Mizusawa Ironware is thought to have begun over 900 years ago, and included mainly daily goods as well as some items used for shrines. Morioka Ironware, on the other hand, came onto the scene much later, when there was a call for more teapots and kettles in the Edo Period (1603-1867).

These days, there is usually no distinction between the two types. They are now both referred to as Nambu Ironware, which was designated a Japanese national traditional craft in 1975.

Some of the most famous proponents of this craft include Iwachu and Oigen. Since its founding in 1900, Iwachu has sought to maintain the tradition of its forebears, while crafting bespoke items for daily use: kettles, teapots, and other kitchenware items and home accessories. Oigen is a fifth-generation ironware producer that’s been in business for more than 160 years. It also specializes in items for use at home and in the kitchen, from pans and skillets to tea ceremony utensils.

4. When was Nambu Ironware First Made?

Tea Ceremony by Mizuno Toshikata, c. 1900

As we know, there were two types of Nambu Ironware, originally with different names. Mizusawa Ironware is thought to have begun in the 12th century, while Morioka Ironware was developed in the 17th century. The name Nambu Ironware started being used for both around 1960.

5. What Are the Characteristics of Nambu Ironware?

Nambu Ironware kettles are mainly known for their signature bumpy texture, which is called arare. This means hailstone in Japanese, and looking at the effect on the iron, it’s not hard to see what inspired the name. Artisans create their own arare patterns to suit their style.

Aside from its physical appearance, Nambu Ironware is also known to be rust-resistant and long-lasting. Iron is also one of the most conductive metals, so it keeps things well-insulated and is said to create uniform heat circulation. That also means it gets hot all over, so be careful when handling a Nambu Ironware kettle!

6. Why is Nambu Ironware Considered the Best Japanese Cast Iron Kettles?

© Suzuki Shuzendo, Jujube-shaped Tetsubin

When Nambu Ironware was first made, the best metalworkers in the country were gathered together to create and define its characteristics. So it’s no surprise that its stellar reputation has continued to this day.

One of the reasons it’s still considered the best is because of its great durability. This is mainly due to the labor-intensive process used to create the ironware, where it’s baked in charcoal several times before receiving a glaze coating to make it last longer and be more resistant to rust.

Nambu Ironware is still handmade, and requires immense skill by the artisans who use techniques passed down over hundreds of years.

7. Nambu Ironware and the Tea Ceremony

Nambu Ironware is considered one of the best tools for serving tea. Not only does it keep the tea warmer for longer, but it’s also said to make the flavor of the tea better, too.

Because of the somewhat raw state of the kettles, it’s believed that some of the minerals from the iron seep into the tea, creating a sweeter and more rounded flavor. Some insist that tea brewed in an Nambu Ironware kettle can also help with iron deficiencies.

© Jérémie Pouchard / Creative Commons, Japanese Tea Ceremony Set

These characteristics served it well when, in 1659, the feudal lord of Nambu ordered a famous tea kettle caster called Nizaemon Koizumi to move to the area to promote the tea ceremony by making kettles with local resources. The third-generation caster of the Koizumi family made a smaller kettle to the usual one seen in tea ceremonies, which led to great success. The production process was shown to the emperor in 1908 during his visit to Iwate Prefecture; an event covered by many newspapers which led to a further boom in popularity.

To this day, it’s believed one of the best ways to serve tea is by using a Nambu Ironware kettle.

8. Difference Between Iron Teapots and Kettles

It’s important to note the difference between teapots and kettles when buying your first Nambu Ironware piece to avoid accidents or damage.

The main difference between the two is that a kettle is used to boil the water, so it can be put directly on a flame, whereas a teapot cannot, and is only used to hold the tea. There is not much difference appearance-wise, but a teapot will usually be coated with enamel on the inside, whereas a kettle will not. This means you need to season a kettle before its first use, but a teapot only needs a rinse.

Want to know more about ironware kettles? Check out our article: What are Tetsubin? 10 Things to Know About Cast Iron Kettles.

For more general information about Japanese teapots, check out these 8 Things to Know About Japanese Teapots.

9. How to Care For Your Nambu Ironware

How you care for your Nambu Ironware will depend on the item, but generally it’s best to keep it from getting too wet, as this can lead to rust.

If you have bought a kettle or teapot, always use a trivet (or heatproof mat) when placing it, as it can cause stains or damage surfaces. And never place it in the microwave or dishwasher, or use harsh detergents.

For kettles, always use oven mitts or protective gear to hold the handle, as it can cause burns if touched directly. Before its first use, boil some water in the kettle then pour it out, and repeat until the water runs clear.

10. Where can I buy Nambu Ironware?

If you’re traveling to Japan, you can get your hands on Nambu Ironware by heading to the former Nambu region, which is in modern-day Iwate Prefecture. Some good brands to purchase Nanbu Ironware from include the aforementioned Iwachu and Oigen, as well as Itchu-do.

You can also purchase handcrafted teacups, including crystalware from Kyoto or Bizen-yaki pottery, at the Japan Objects Store to complete your tea collection.