Japanese casting items, Traditional crafts

Japanese casting

Japanese cast iron items

On the contrary to the tide of modernization, some craftsmen have inherited the traditional casting production, especially the casting for daily products. Japanese famous traditional castings are Yamagata casting and Nanbu Tekki (ironware). They were designated as the first Japanese traditional crafts in 1975.

Nanbu Tekki

Nanbu Tekki starts its history about 400 years ago. Morioka city, the producing area of Nanbu Tekki has good material for producing casting such as iron resources and clay. Successive Hanshu (a feudal load) of Nanbu-han (a feudal clan) encouraged the producing of casting.
The most famous item of Nanbu Tekki is Nanbu Tetsubin (cast iron kettle). Nanbu Tetsubin was invented by Nizaemon Koizumi 3rd. Nizaemon produced Nanbu Tetsubin from Yugama (iron pot for hot water). Yugama did not have spout and handle. Shorten Yugama, and attached spout and handle on it. In that way, Nanbu Tetsubin spread around Japan as a daily usable kettle.
Nanbu Tetsubin has beautiful decoration on the casting surface. Solid and dignified presence have won the popularity.

Item of Nanbu Tekki