Nanbu Ironware from Hanamaki City, Iwate

Mt. Iwate at Sunset

Iwate, Japan.

A coastal prefecture located northeast of Tokyo, Iwate is famous for its wanko soba, morioka reimen and dairy. But perhaps it is most known for being the birthplace of Nanbu Ironware ("Nanbu Tekki"), a long and celebrated tradition of iron casting craftmanship.

A region already famed for its rich iron mineral deposits and casting, Iwate became the top producer of ironware when artisans from Kyoto brought their method of their iron production in the late 17th century. Craftsmen began to minimize their huge cauldron pots to the produce the now world renowned Japanese iron tea pot.

Nanbu Tekki Tea Pot

400 years of passed down regional heritage, iron production has expanded to many impressive crafts like pans, ashtrays, wind chimes, paper weights, bottle openers, and iron coasters.

Our gift section is proud to introduce this traditional aesthetic from Hanamaki city in Iwate. These coasters are beautiful as well as simplistic in design. 
Iwate was one of the grief-striken regions of the 2011 tsunami earthquake. We encourage you to learn about the history of Japanese craftware and hope you enjoy our other new additions from Japan.