Japanese Teapots, Tetsubin & Ceramic

Tetsubin (iron kettles) were originally used in the home to boil water. These tetsubin generally were not ornately decorated, as they were placed over a hearth to provide heat and humidity during cold weather. During the mid-19th century as infused tea drinking became more popular, tetsubin evolved from being a kitchen item to being a status symbol used to serve tea. Some of these tetsubin were even elaborately decorated with a high relief design or inlay of copper, gold or silver. The region best known for making tetsubin is Iwate prefecture in Northern Japan.