Japanese Tetsubin Teapots

Cast iron teapots, also known as Tetsubin teapots, have been in use for many centuries already. They rose to popularity in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in Japan, as Sencha Green Tea became all the rage. In the olden days, the Japanese only used these beautiful works of art to boil water as they could stand very high temperatures. This means that they could keep a pot boiling just in case they wanted to make tee that day.

However, as loose leaf tea leaves became even more popular as a drink rather than powdered varieties, the Tetsubin or cast iron teapot was born. Today, in Japan, they remain a household staple in every kitchen, and they are even passed on from generation to generation. These are very similar to the Chinese variety, Yixing teapots made out of clay. Like their Chinese counterpart, the Tetsubin adds an undeniable, unique taste which enhances the flavor of any tea.

Cast iron teapots are very easy to care for however, you need to remember that they need special treatment. You can’t just wash your teapot like any other teapot. Like the clay teapot of China, you should never use soap or any other harmful chemicals on your cast iron teapot. This can seriously damage the material, and may cause your pot to rust. You can simply use water. Just rinse out the teapot several times so that the seasoning of the cast iron will remain inside the pot. This prevents it from rusting.

You’ll be able to find cast iron teapots in all designs. They are known for their elaborate detail. In fact, they used to be a symbol of a person’s high social status in Japan. Because they are so beautiful, they tend to be the centerpiece of many tea parties. Traditionally, the teapot is carried around by the left hand when in use. The spout should never point to the one who is serving tea in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. This is to show off the design of the cast iron teapot.

The Tetsubin’s design is no joking matter as each design has a different meaning. Tatara pots create a fusion of all the designs to incorporate them into one single teapot. Here are a few symbol meanings you could consider when buying your own Tetsubin:

	Large Cast Iron Tetsubin Teapot Warmer Arr Black Sale Price: $24.90
	This is a very unique and beautiful cast iron Tetsubin teapot warmer. This warmer is made of strong, heavy cast iron, with a Black finish. The warmer has a grid on top for placing teapots and a tea light holder underneath...

	5 Pc. Cast Iron Unity Tetsubin Tea Set- Red List Price: $91.00 Sale Price: $34.99 Used From: $41.78
	Tea lovers rejoice in this Old Dutch tea set. It includes everything you need to enjoy tea for two. And its heavy-duty construction makes it perfect for indoor or outdoor use. From green tea to black tea, you can enjoy your favorite hot beverage whenever and wherever you want with this Old Dutch set.

	Iwachu Japanese Iron Teapot Tetsubin Turquoise Goldfish Sale Price: $65.84
	Japanese tetsubin (iron teapots) evolved from larger vessels used centuries ago to heat water for tea and provide warmth and humidity in the home during the winter. The goldfish depicted in this Iwachu original design symbolizes good fortune...

	Iwachu Japanese Iron Teapot Tetsubin Gold and Purple Goldfish Sale Price: $79.99
	Japanese tetsubin (iron teapots) evolved from larger vessels used centuries ago to heat water for tea and provide warmth and humidity in the home during the winter. The goldfish depicted in this Iwachu original design symbolizes good fortune...

	Iwachu Japanese Iron Teapot Tetsubin Silver and Black Goldfish Sale Price: $79.99
	Japanese tetsubin (iron teapots) evolved from larger vessels used centuries ago to heat water for tea and provide warmth and humidity in the home during the winter. The goldfish depicted in this Iwachu original design symbolizes good fortune...

	Iwachu Japanese Iron Teapot Tetsubin Gold and Black Goldfish Sale Price: $79.99
	Japanese tetsubin (iron teapots) evolved from larger vessels used centuries ago to heat water for tea and provide warmth and humidity in the home during the winter. The goldfish depicted in this Iwachu original design symbolizes good fortune...

	G&H Tea Services Kyoto Japanese Tetsubin 28-Ounce Teapot and Trivet, Natural List Price: $59.50 Sale Price: $55.99 Used From: $47.38
	Traditional Japanese cast iron teapot with infuser basket.

	Aztec Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot with Trivet, 40 Oz Capacity Sale Price: $63.99
	This 40 ounce capacity Tetsubin cast iron Aztec design teapot comes with a matching trivet. This is a beautiful teapot with the color of sienna. Each teapot comes with a stainless steel mesh strainer insert, so you can remove the leaves after steeping, and the inside is lined with porcelain enamel...

	Old Dutch 38-Ounce Cast-Iron Nobility Teapot, Pale Blue List Price: $52.00 Sale Price: $34.80 Used From: $36.43
	Old Dutch cast-iron teapots combine traditional Japanese styling and a modern aesthetic that result in very evocative shapes. Generously sized with a capacity of 38 ounces, the Nobility teapot forms a wide, flat shape, much like an upside-down bowl, balanced by a graceful spout and arching handle...

	Unity Tetsubin Cast Iron Tea Pot red List Price: $60.00 Sale Price: $49.99 Used From: $57.70
	Old Dutch cast-iron teapots combine traditional Japanese styling and a modern aesthetic that result in very evocative shapes. The largest of the line with a capacity of 48 ounces, the Mythology teapot forms a wide, flattened sphere balanced by a graceful spout and arching handle...