Koizumi Nizaemon XI (十一代小泉仁左衛門 岳広), Japanese b.1971

A  doragata-tetsubin (どらがたてつびん) 御釜屋 銅羅形鉄瓶 南部鐵器

Takahiro Koizumi was assumed the title of 11th generation Koizumi Nizaemon on June 5, 2023

About the work

Discover the Doragate Tetsubin by Okamaya: A Harmony of Tradition and Function

Our Doragate Tetsubin, crafted by the renowned Okamaya, is more than a kettle—it’s a celebration of Japanese culture and the timeless elegance of Nambu ironware. Inspired by the shape of a bronze gong (銅羅) traditionally used to signal the start of a tea ceremony, this unique cast iron kettle brings both aesthetic beauty and practical design to your tea ritual.

Key Features

A Distinctive Gong-Inspired Design

The Doragate Tetsubin captures the symbolic essence of the gong, embodying tradition and reverence for the tea ceremony. Its flat, wide base ensures it sits securely on induction heaters (IH), making it adaptable for modern use while preserving its classic form. This shape not only makes it a striking piece for display but also an ideal vessel for heating water to perfection.

Crafted with Nambu Ironware Expertise

Each Doragate Tetsubin is crafted by Okamaya, a master of Nambu ironware, known for its durability, intricate detail, and rich history. With generations of skill poured into each piece, Okamaya’s artisans create kettles that are as resilient as they are beautiful. The Dōrakei Tetsubin’s design reflects the family’s legacy of fine craftsmanship that has endured for centuries.

Finished with High-Quality Jōbōji Lacquer

To enhance both its durability and luster, this kettle is finished with Jōbōji lacquer from Iwate Prefecture, a premium, natural lacquer that brings a polished, elegant finish. This protective coating not only accentuates the rich texture of the iron but also adds a layer of refinement to the Doragate Tetsubin, ensuring it remains a beautiful addition to any collection.

Perfect for Tea Ceremonies and Daily Use

Whether used in formal tea gatherings or in the comfort of your home, the Doragate Tetsubin serves as a bridge between traditional Japanese culture and contemporary function. Its gong-inspired shape brings an air of ceremony and tranquility, ideal for creating a peaceful tea experience. It’s an heirloom-quality piece designed to bring warmth and depth to each use.

A Timeless Piece for Collectors and Enthusiasts

The Okamaya Doragate Tetsubin is a piece of Japanese heritage, crafted to last and admired for its elegance and functionality. For tea enthusiasts, collectors, or anyone with an appreciation for fine craftsmanship, this tetsubin is more than a kettle—it’s an invitation to experience the harmony of tradition and utility.

Add this unique treasure to your tea collection and experience the artistry of Okamaya’s Nambu ironware in every pour.

Dimensions

17.5x 19 x 6.5 (body height) cm  , Volume: 1.1 Liter

Footnote

What is Nambu Ironware?
Nambu ironware refers to cast iron products produced in the area centered around Morioka City, the former castle town of the Nambu domain. Casting is a process where molten metal (iron) is poured into molds to create objects. There are two types of casting methods: the yakegata (fired mold) method, used primarily for traditional craft items such as kettles and tetsubin (iron kettles), and the namakata (raw mold) method, used for mass-produced items like pots and wind chimes.

Origins
The history of Nambu ironware began when Shigenobu, the 28th lord of the Nambu domain, who was deeply knowledgeable about the tea ceremony, decided to create iron tea kettles using the high-quality iron available within his domain. In 1659, during the Edo period (under Tokugawa Ietsuna), he invited a kettle craftsman from Kyoto, Koizumi Nizaemon I, to create tea kettles in Morioka. Later, around 1750, Nizaemon III created the first tetsubin, expanding the range of Nambu ironware to include various crafted items. By the late Edo period, Nambu ironware became famous, even appearing in a kabuki play, where a character mentioned, "The ironware is from Nambu…". From the Meiji period onward, Nambu ironware gained high acclaim internationally and was recognized as one of Japan’s premier traditional crafts.

The Name
Originally, Nambu ironware referred specifically to iron products made within the former Nambu domain, particularly in Morioka. However, after World War II, iron products began to be produced nationwide and were often marketed as Nambu ironware, causing confusion. Eventually, the Japanese government designated that only iron products made in Morioka and the nearby Mizusawa area could be labeled as Nambu ironware.

The History of Kettle Craftsman “Koizumi Nizaemon”
The history of Koizumi Nizaemon is intertwined with the story of Nambu ironware. Nizaemon I, originally from Kyoto, was appointed by the Nambu lord in 1659 as a kettle craftsman in Morioka, marking the beginning of Nambu kettles. Around 1750, Nizaemon III created the first tetsubin, a kettle for boiling water. Over time, Koizumi Nizaemon came to be known as the exclusive craftsman for all tea kettles and tetsubin for the Nambu domain, earning the nickname Okamaya (“Great Kettle Maker”). Since then, the Koizumi family has upheld the title of Nizaemon through eleven generations. Nizaemon’s works, known as “Nizaemon Kettles,” have become highly valued for their quality and craftsmanship.

Distinctive Qualities of Nizaemon Kettles
Nizaemon kettles are known for their shapes and textures, embodying the spirit of wabi-sabi (rustic simplicity and quiet beauty). They combine traditional techniques with a modern sense of style, making them suitable for both long-term use and display. Nizaemon Kettles are made using unique finishing processes, and over time, the water boiled in them gains a mellow quality, enhancing the taste of beverages and food. They require no special treatment before use and are ready to be used from the first boiling. The water from a Nizaemon kettle is not only delicious but also believed to promote health.

This enduring legacy, crafted in the former Nambu domain’s Morioka area, is a testament to Japan's rich history in traditional craftsmanship and cultural artistry.