東北経済産業局. (n.d.). https://www.tohoku.meti.go.jp/chizai-enet/support/brand/nanbutekki.html
Historical Background & Characteristics
Nanbu Tekki started around 1650, when the local government (Nanbu-Han) invited a "kamashi (pot producer)" from Kyoto to Morioka, and asked him or her to create the tea kettle. In Mizusawa, governed by the Date-Han (the local government), production of daily necessities castings is thriving. Even these days, they are produced with traditional techniques, such as moulding, drying, pattern pressing, skin beating, and lacquer finishing.
This Nanbu Tekki has two production areas: Morioka and pre-Mizusawa city. In Morioka, teakettles and iron kettles are produced, and in pre-Mizusawa city, daily use casting has been produced.
Nanbu Tekki has the public image of being solid, sturdy and durable, but not only for that, it gives us the warmth of handmade through the pictures on the pot.
It has small and easy-to-handle but sensitive forms expressing Japanese beauty.
The reason why I purchased Nanbutekki was that the boiled water with an iron pot has the ability to prevent anaemia. Of course, it is important to have iron from a daily meal, but I think that if I use the boiled water with an iron pot, I can have iron naturally and easily; it would be more effective to improve the anaemia. Additionally, I felt the different tastes of boiled water, tea and coffee made by the iron pot. It tastes good, smooth and softer.
By Chizuru Honda's mother
With the English and other 85 languages subtitles
Knowing information about Nanbutekki (Japanese)
Read this website to know more
Visiting Nanbutekki (Japanese/English)
Visiting Nanbu Tekki factory & museum
You can come and see the professional techniques from a closer view in this theme park-style factory. This place also has a gallery which has a lot of Nanbu Tekki. You will be able to see the process of crafting Nanbutekki.
Via Online
You can choose from several factories based on your preferences. Each one has its own unique features.
Visiting and buying - Iwachu (English)
Same place as the museum.
岩手県・南部鉄器 |東北の伝統的工芸品ホームページ. (n.d.). https://www.tohoku.meti.go.jp/s_densan/iwate_01.html
南部鉄器、鉄瓶. 日本工芸堂(想いをつなぐ、工芸専門ギフトショップ). (n.d.). https://japanesecrafts.com/collections/southern-iron?srsltid=AfmBOorTZNu6K5110QoZhpnGf3NXBMgfPVIi0liROpANFoofwpug9PTf