Nambuu Tekki Itome teapot 360ml

Name: Nambuu Tekki Itome teapot 360ml
Brand: Oigen 及源鋳造株式会社
SKU: TEW-MET-OIG-002-S
Price: 138.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Handmade New 10% off

£138.00

Taxes included.

Material: Metal

Dimensions:
Length: 16.5cm
Width: 14cm
Height: 7.5cm
Volume: 360ml

Dishwasher X
Microwave X
Oven X
Not to be used over direct flame. Compatible with gas stoves and electric hob only.

Before first use: “seasoning” your iron teapot.
To help prevent rust and build a protective mineral layer inside your Nambu Tekki teapot, please follow this one‑time preparation.

Step‑by‑step
1. Rinse lightly
- Rinse the inside of the teapot once with plain water, then discard.
- Do not scrub the interior with a sponge or brush.

2. Boil hard water with lid off
- Fill the pot to about 80% with tap water.
- Place on your heat source, remove the lid, and bring to a rolling boil for about 20 minutes.
- Be careful: body, steam and water become very hot.

3. Discard and dry with residual heat
- Pour out the hot water completely.
- Leave the lid off and let the inside dry naturally with the remaining heat.

4. Repeat 2–3 more times
- Repeat steps 2–3 about three times in total, using fresh tap water each time.
- From the second boil onwards, the boiled water can be used as drinking water if you like.

Over time, a thin white mineral film (“yuaka” scale) will form inside from the calcium and magnesium in the water. This is normal and acts as a natural barrier that helps protect the iron from rust; no need to scrape or scrub it off.

At a glance:

- Nambu Tekki (南部鉄器) cast iron, METI-designated traditional craft, Iwate Prefecture

- By Oigen, founded 1852, a fifth-generation foundry, over 60 hand production steps per pot

- 360ml, one to two cups; enamel-lined interior for steeping, not direct flame

- Compatible with gas and electric hobs

A good cast-iron teapot holds heat the way a thick wall holds warmth, slowly absorbed and slowly released. Pour the last cup ten minutes after the first and the temperature is still where it should be.

This is the Itome (糸目, "thread pattern") teapot by Oigen, cast in Nambu Tekki iron in Mizusawa, Iwate. Oigen has worked this material since 1852, now in its fifth generation, still hand-pouring molten iron at around 1,400°C into individually prepared moulds. Nambu Tekki is recognised by Japan's Ministry of Economy as a traditional craft, and it takes a craftsman roughly 15 years to reach full competence. Each pot passes through over 60 production steps before it leaves the foundry. The Itome pattern, fine ridges running across the surface, strengthens the form and gives the pot a quiet tactile presence, something to notice each time you pick it up. At 360ml it brews one generous cup or two smaller ones, the kind of quantity that belongs to a morning with nowhere to be.

Traditionally, brewing in iron is said to soften the water and round the taste of the tea. Worth trying for yourself.

- The handle will also get hot during use. Please use mittens.