DESCRIPTION
This item will ship approximately one to two weeks after we receive your order.
We are delighted to introduce a remarkable Tetsubin that diverges from the creations of Oitomi. This particular Tetsubin has been skillfully fashioned by Shingo Kikuchi (菊池真吾), a revered traditional craftsman affiliated with Shokado. His workshop is established in Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture, mirroring the geographical roots of our own establishment.
The distinction of a "traditional craftsman" is an official accolade granted by the Japanese government, attesting to the expertise and mastery of artisans who uphold advanced techniques and skills. Within the realm of Nambu Ironware, a select group of only a few dozen traditional craftsmen exist, and Shingo Kikuchi occupies a coveted place among them. In 2015, one of his iron kettles was presented to Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church — a testament to his standing as a master craftsman of the modern era.
Nambu ironware owes its existence to two distinct methodologies: Nama-gata, which employs sand molds, and Yaki-gata, involving the crafting of molds through the baking of clay. This Tetsubin, a masterpiece created through the Yaki-gata approach, emerges as an exceedingly scarce creation due to the limited number of pieces that can be produced from a single mold. As a result, it stands as a truly exceptional piece in terms of rarity.
Each arare pattern, a characteristic motif of Nambu ironware, exhibits an elegantly swirled design. The entirety of this piece, including the conch shell adorning the lid's finial, draws inspiration from the conch shell motif. The intricate nature of the arare pattern renders its successful completion a rarity, leading to a low yield of flawlessly crafted pieces. This complexity contributes to its value as a precious creation.
Noteworthy are the small apertures embellishing the handle. Forged and shaped from a single sheet of iron, this handle carries a distinctive significance. Beyond its functional purpose of preventing the handle from overheating, it embodies a quintessentially Japanese aesthetic rooted in the tea ceremony tradition, symbolizing an embrace of the beauty found in the evolution of time.
Within, a technique known as kama-yaki imparts an oxidized film to the interior, with the absence of any paint. The resulting partial reddening in certain areas is a natural outcome of the "kama-yaki" baking process. It's important to acknowledge that this characteristic is a standard aspect stemming from the baking technique.
Although this Tetsubin commands a higher price compared to other models, its allure lies in the Yaki-gata technique, its bold and traditional aesthetic compositions, and the personal inscription of the traditional craftsman, "南部 真吾" (Nambu Shingo). United by these attributes, this special Tetsubin is poised to accompany you through a lifetime of enjoyment.
Kindly be advised that this item is also available for purchase at our physical store, with stock availability subject to timing. We kindly ask for your understanding that instances may arise wherein an ordered item is temporarily unavailable.
Moreover, it is prudent to recognize that due to the handcrafted nature of each piece, minor deviations might be present between the actual product and the photographs provided.
Materials
To make tea and coffee great
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
We ship worldwide.
In-stock items ship within 5 business days.
Made-to-order pieces are produced in limited batches. Our workshop is often already at capacity with existing reservations, so estimated timelines are noted on each product page.
Delivery times may vary slightly by destination, carrier, and customs conditions.
CUSTOMS DUTY
The total you pay at checkout covers the product price and shipping only. It does not include import taxes, customs duties, or any other charges levied by the destination country.
You are responsible for these charges in all cases. They are set by each country's authorities and the rules change frequently, so please check the current requirements for your destination before placing your order.
If a shipment is refused, unclaimed, or returned because these charges are not paid, any related carrier costs remain your responsibility. We are unable to issue refunds for problems arising from customs or import procedures outside our control.
