Iwachu
| Type | Nanbu Tekki trivet |
|---|---|
| Origin | Morioka, Iwate, Japan |
| Studio/Artist | Iwachu, leading Japanese manufacturer of kettles (tetsubin) |
| Dimensions | 17 x 11cm |
| Weight | 1.3kg |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Coating | Silicone coating for rust protection (黒焼付仕上げ; kuro-yakitsuke technique) |
| Logo | On the side |
| Packaging | Packed in a pretty cardboard box |
| Laboratory Testing | Iwachu tests all raw materials and materials for harmful substances; certified free from harmful substances |
The name Iwachu is synonymous with cast iron goods of the highest quality, and the brand's versatile product range extends from classic cast iron kettles (tetsubin), teapots (tetsu kyusu) and related accessories to bells, pans and much more. The manufacturer has boasted its own tradition since its founding in the Meiji period and throughout the 400-year-old Nanbu tekki tradition. It also has its own production line. Every step, from design planning to manufacturing to sales, is carried out by the company itself. Iwachu is dedicated to producing robust cast iron products with excellent functionality and contemporary design. Master casters at the company are required to undergo a minimum of 15 years of training, meaning that all products meet the highest quality standards.
The origins of Nanbu Tekki, or Nanbu ironware, can be traced back to the mid-17th century, when the Nanbu samurai clan were in need of Buddhist altars, bells and chagama teapots 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 kanji as "southern region", the clan ruled in the north of Japan, where materials needed for ironwork were naturally abundant. Highly durable, Nanbu Tekki is often deemed the best metalwork in Japan and makes 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. The name Nanbu Tekki refers exclusively to cast iron products made in the cities of Morioka and Oshu.
