Discover the beauty and function of the traditional Japanese Tetsubin—a cast iron kettle handcrafted in Iwate, the heart of Nambu Tekki (Nambu ironware). Unlike enamel-coated teapots, this authentic kettle is uncoated and made specifically for boiling water, not for brewing tea.
Tetsubin has a 400-year history rooted in the Japanese Tea Ceremony and is valued worldwide for its elegant craftsmanship and its ability to enhance the flavor of water—making tea taste richer, milder, and smoother. It also releases trace amounts of iron into the water, offering health benefits, especially for those with low iron levels.
Unlike mass-produced kettles made of stainless steel or copper, each Tetsubin is a sustainable, heirloom-quality itemcrafted by skilled artisans. With proper care, it can be passed down through generations.
Many people are unaware of the difference between enamel-coated iron teapots (often called Kyusu) and traditional Tetsubin kettles.
Most modern cast iron teapots are coated with enamel on the inside, which makes them suitable for brewing tea—but not for boiling water.
In contrast, this authentic Tetsubin is uncoated, allowing the water to interact with the iron, enhancing its flavor and mineral content.
Good vintage condition (★★★☆☆)
Dimensions: W 15.5 cm x H 8 cm / 18.5 cm
Weight : 1257g
Capacity : 800ml.
All our Tetsubin kettles are carefully conditioned before sale, ready for immediate use. For vintage kettles, we perform the time-consuming conditioning process - boiling green tea and letting it sit overnight, repeated several times - until the water runs clear, as old kettles often have interior rust that turns the water brown. The surface is also coated with Japanese camellia oil to help protect against rust.
