Suzuki Morihisa
| Item | Cast iron serving pan with lid |
|---|---|
| Maker | Suzuki Morihisa x Simplicity |
| Origin | Morioka, Iwate, Japan |
| Dimensions | 14.5cm (L) x 19.5cm (W) x 6.5cm (H) |
| Weight | 0.8kg |
| Material | Cast iron, enamel |
| Packaging | Cardboard box |
Each item is handmade and therefore may vary slightly.
Established in 1625, Suzuki Morihisa is one of the oldest Nanbu Tekki foundries in Iwate. Together with four other master casters, the first generation Suzuki was invited to settle in Morioka by the ruling Nanbu clan and played an important role in the foundation of Japanese cast ironware. The family business is now in its 16th generation and is the holder of two notable firsts in the history of Nanbu Tekki: the 13th generation being appointed an Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, and the 15th generation as the first female caster in Iwate. Suzuki Morihisa continue to preserve traditional techniques through their robust ironwork that can be used today and across many generations to come.
The origins of Nanbu Tekki or “Nanbu ironware” go back to the mid-17th century, when the Nanbu samurai clan were in need of Buddhist altars, bells and chagama tea pots to furnish their newly built castle in Morioka, Iwate prefecture, and so invited skilled metal casters from across the country to lend them a hand. Although the name Nanbu is written in the kanji as “southern region” the clan ruled in the north of Japan, where materials needed for ironwork were naturally abundant. Highly durable, Nanbu Tekki wares are often deemed the best metalwork in Japan and make beloved heirlooms – particularly cast iron kettles or tetsubin, which are also highly sought after by collectors around the world. In 1975 Nanbu Tekki was designated the first certified Traditional Craft of Japan, and exclusively refers to cast iron products made in the cities of Morioka and Oshu.
