Nanbu Ironware Iron Kettle Flower Wreath 0.8L By Studio Nanohana, Nami Sasaki

This piece is a creation by Nami Sasaki, a female artisan based in Oshu City, known for her solo studio's exquisite craftsmanship. It is produced using Yakigata method.

She often incorporates floral motifs into her work. Drawing from her background in Nihonga (traditional Japanese painting), she brings a profound sense of depth and refined composition to the three-dimensional forms of her iron kettles. Through her delicate arrangements, one can truly feel the artist’s inherent kindness and affection for her craft.

Her approach to the iron is unique; she coaxes a soft, fluid silhouette from the metal that makes one forget its heavy nature, a rare characteristic among contemporary casting artists. While the fine details are breathtaking upon close inspection, the work as a whole possesses a gentle presence free from harsh tension, embodying a uniquely Japanese aesthetic that is deeply valued in the tea ceremony.

This piece, "Flower Wreath," evokes a nostalgic scene of children in a pastoral landscape, weaving hand-picked flowers into crowns. It is a universal "original landscape" that transcends generations and borders; within its form, one can almost sense the soft sunlight and the faint chirping of birds. While employing classical Japanese casting techniques, the piece is finished with the artist’s inherent kindness and a sense of affection that radiates from the iron.

The interior features an oxidized coating created through the traditional kamayaki (kiln-firing) process, and no artificial painting or lining has been applied to the inner surface.

Please note that some reddish spots may appear inside the kettle as a result of this kiln-firing process. These are a natural characteristic of this traditional manufacturing method and do not affect the quality or use of the product.