Chushin Kobo Brown Cast Iron Kettle with Lacquer finish, Hiramaru

Japan has a rich culture of casting crafts. Yamagata (North of Japan) casting is now recognized as one of the best in Japan. Whereas other type of castings are characterized as hard and masculine, Yamagata casting is appreciated for being ‘Usuniku-birei’’ – thin and beautiful. The production process is extensive and complicated. It requires a lot of knowledge and craftmanship, and while the appreciation for cast iron products is rising, the number of skilled artisans is decreasing every year. 

‘Chushin Kobo’ was established in 1977, with the objective to revitalize the casting industry through smart, modern designs. The youngest generation, Mr. Masuda, is both a craftsman and a designer.  His mission is to ‘recreate objects retaining the beauty of traditional Japanese cast iron but stylishly adapted to fit contemporary life-style’. 

Instructions and cautions: 

- Before use, fill with boiling water to rinse and warm your pot.
- Allow teapot to cool completely after each use before cleaning.
- IF using detergent, use a ph.-balanced one. 
- Avoid contact with salt and oils, and always air dry the teapot after use to avoid rust*. (only replace the lid once the pot is dry)  
- NO dishwasher.
- NO open fire/stove. Candle warmers are OK.  
- A tea stand is recommended to protect your table top/counter.  
- If you do not use the pot for a while, make sure it's kept completely dry to avoid rust*. 
* In the unlikely event of rust, the pot can still be used. Rust from the teapot is non-toxic and perfectly safe. In fact, many tea connoisseurs actually prefer the taste of tea from a rusted iron teapot! If the rust bothers you, clean the rusted area with a soft brush, then fill the pot with used tea leaves and boiling water. Allow to sit for 20 minutes, discard and rinse.

Dimensions:
200×190×180mm
Materials: Cast iron, lacquer finish
Weight: approx. 1900g
Capacity: 1.6L