Nambu Tekki Cast Iron at the Suzuki Morihisa Studio


2017.10.23

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

Nambu tekki cast iron has made its name in Japan thanks to its bold and sturdy design which was first created in the 17th century going on to become one of the most popular materials used for traditional tea ceremony kettles. The Suzuki Morihisa Studio in Iwate not only created the first pieces of Nambu tekki but continues to make them to this day.

  • Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    In the early 1600s, the ruling Nambu feudal clan set about building Morioka Castle in Iwate Prefecture. In need of Buddhist altars, temple bells, armor, and tea kettles, the Nambu family invited highly skilled craftsmen from Kyoto to Iwate to give them a helping hand. The first pieces of Nambu tekki made from iron sand found in the Morioka region and cast in the Nambu kiln were created by the Suzuki family whose sturdy ironware quickly gained recognition in the region.

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    To this day the Suzuki family continues to create Nambu tekki ironware, currently in the hands of the 15th generation. Although the ironware can, in fact, be found worldwide its flagship store remains in Morioka where a number of pieces are on display for sale.

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    The most popular, and most recognisable pieces are the solid chrome tea kettles, or tetsubin. Originally created for traditional tea ceremonies, the kettles were given a revamp in the 18th century which proved so popular that this redesign is believed to be one of the main reasons Nambu tekki is the highly regarded material it is today.

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    Not limited to kettles there is a whole host of rustic pieces created at Suzuki Morihisa Studio including other kitchenware, ornaments, and tableware. Certified as a Traditional Craftwork of Japan in 1975, it’s not just the style of the Nambu tekki that makes it so sought after. If looked after properly, the sturdy cast iron is said to be fit for passing down the generations thanks to the resistance of the material. The best way to keep your Nambu tekki intact is most notably to make sure that it is thoroughly dried after use. It is also worth bearing in mind that the ironware itself is said to improve the taste of hot water but this can take a few weeks as you must wait for the hot water to create spots on the inside of the iron.

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    Nambu Tekki Cast Iron

    The Suzuki Morihisa Studio is home to both a shop and a workhouse that functions as a factory for creating the pieces found in the shop and elsewhere. To take a good look at some of the unique Nambu tekki ironware the studio creates, head to the shop just a 15-minute bus journey from Morioka Station. Open every day apart from Sundays between 9am and 5pm, a purchase from here is one that is a worthwhile investment.

    Suzuki Morihisa Studio
    rating

    5.0

    1 Reviews
    place
    Iwate Morioka-shi Minamiodori 1-6-7
    phone
    0196223809
    opening-hour
    [Monday-Friday]9:00-17:00[Sa…
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