Iron Kettle Santama

Metalwork

Craft Company: Kamasada

ORIGIN: Morioka, Iwate Prefecture
SIZE: W185 × D160 × H110 mm (H180 mm to the handle)
MATERIAL: Iron

An unwavering presence

Nanbu ironware (Nanbu tekki in Japanese) was first developed in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). These iron kettles, favored by feudal lords who enjoyed the tea ceremony, gained a reputation for delivering boiled water with a mellow taste, and are now known throughout the world.

The lustrous black cast surface, designed in the shape of an abacus ball, is created by pouring molten iron into an elaborately made mold. The iron kettle is fired with charcoal and then burnished with lacquer to finish, which prevents it from rusting. The everlasting beauty stemming from the wisdom and skills of our ancestors has been further refined through the dedication of modern craftsmen, and will continue to be passed on for generations to come.

Related Contents

INSIGHT

RESOURCE

Sogata (Mold)
- Technique
A pattern is carved directly on the inside of a mold made of sand and clay, forming the outline of the object to be produced, and fired to make the outer mold. Molten metal is then poured into the gap between the outer mold and the inner core to cast the object. This method is mainly used in the production of circular objects, such as pots and Buddhist bells.
Kanakedome (Yakinuki, Kamayaki)
- Technique
Ironware removed from the mold is fired in charcoal at a high temperature of approximately 900°C, forming an oxide film on the surface to prevent rust. This is a traditional technique unique to Nanbu ironware.
Nanbu tekki (Nanbu ironware)
- Generic term
A generic name for ironware made in the Mizusawa and Morioka regions in Iwate Prefecture. Blessed with high-quality raw materials such as iron sand, sand, and charcoal, it was developed under the patronage of the Date clan of the Sendai domain and the Nanbu clan of the Morioka domain, respectively, in the Edo period (1603 – 1868). In Mizusawa, iron pots and kettles were mainly produced, growing out of a samurai armory in the old days. In Morioka, the lord of the Morioka domain, who favored the tea ceremony, invited an artisan from Kyoto who specialized in making kettles for the tea ceremony, which led to the production of iron kettles.
Chukin (Metal casting)
- Generic term
- Technique
A technique to make metalworks by pouring molten metal into a mold, or igata in Japanese and extracting it after it is cooled. The technique makes it possible to form metal freely, which otherwise is a difficult material to process. A product made by this casting method is called imono. This method also allows for mass production. Once the mold of a prototype is made it is then possible to make multiples of the product.

KOGEI STANDARD Japanese Crafts Online Media

Editor's Column "Craft Production Regions"

KOGEI Topics

New Products

Featured Exhibitions & Events

Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” Part2: Modern Society and Kogei

The Art of Appreciating Tea Bowls

Special Column “Toward the Revitalization of Wajima Lacquerware”

VOICE

KOGEI & Me

Exhibition • Event Report

Editor's Column “The Path of Japanese Crafts” Part1: Japanese Aesthetic Sense

Editor's Note

KOGEI STANDARD
JAPANESE CRAFTS ONLINE MEDIA

InsightKogei Articles

Latest Articles

Tobe

Shitsurindo and ZOZO NEXT Launched Collaborative Research on New Lacquer Techniques

Sghr Sugahara Holds “SGHR NEW DESIGN PREVIEW 2025”

“Time & Style 2025 Collection” Will Be Held at Milan Design Week

Exhibition Information

The Miracle of Black: Secrets of the Yohen Tenmoku Tea Bowl

Spring Exhibition THE BEST

The Journey of Textile Art: Kyoto Artists in Focus

Export Imari Ware – Kakiemon, Kinrande, Sometsuke

Articles by Series

Editor's Column "Craft Production Regions"

KOGEI Topics

New Products

Iron Kettle Santama

An unwavering presence

Sand Iron Sliver Ashiya Dragon Round Kettle

Kettle, Metallic Silver

Iron Kettle – Ashiya Dragon with Silver Inlay

Sake Pitcher - L & Sake Cups

In'ei: Japanese Aesthetics of Shadow and Darkness

Preface: “Beautiful Crafts, Rooted in the Land”

KOGEI STANDARD JAPANESE CRAFTS ONLINE MEDIA

Latest Articles

Exhibition Information

The Miracle of Black: Secrets of the Yohen Tenmoku Tea Bowl

Spring Exhibition THE BEST

The Journey of Textile Art: Kyoto Artists in Focus

Export Imari Ware – Kakiemon, Kinrande, Sometsuke

Articles by Series

Editor's Column "Craft Production Regions"

KOGEI Topics

New Products

An unwavering presence

KOGEI STANDARD
JAPANESE CRAFTS ONLINE MEDIA