Japanese Ironware

Brief History of Japanese Ironware

The Scene of Life with Ironware Ironware such as iron teapots is one of the most famous traditional Japanese products in the world. There are places in Japan where ironware is made as a special product of the district. Iwate prefecture in the northern part of Japan is the most famous among such places.

Ironware made in Iwate is called Nanbu-tekki. Nanbu-tekki is known to the Japanese as the best brand of ironware. It is said that the feudal lord of Iwate ordered his people to make ironware in the 16th century. Because Iwate is rich in iron, the ironware industry has become very prosperous in this district.

Design of Nanbu-tekki

Wabi-Sabi Style of Japanese Ironware The design of Nanbu-tekki is very simple, very much in tune with the Japanese idea of humble simplicity ("Wabi-Sabi"). The same simplicity can be found in the Japanese tea ceremony ("Sado").

The colors of Nanbu-tekki are usually the natural colors of iron, which are cool and soothing. The colors will become more mature after being used for a long time.

Oigen Brand

Making Iron Teapots Our ironware is made by Oigen Corporation in Mizusawa city in Iwate. Because of the high quality and special design of the ironware, Oigen is famous for Nanbu-tekki not only in Japan, but also some European countries.

On our website we sell high quality teapots called Tetsubin and iron wind chimes.

National Object of Traditional Craftwork

The trademark of national object of traditional craftwork Nanbu-Tekki was designated as the one of the national objects of traditional craftwork in 1975.

The Items of Japanese Ironware

Iron Wind Chimes

Iron Wind Chimes

The Brief of Iron Wind Chimes

In the old days, when there were no air conditioners, the soothing sound of wind chimes cooled people down during summer. These days, the sound of wind chimes is still regarded as a symbol of summer in Japan.

It is said that high frequency sounds (3,000 hertz or higher) can stimulate our brains to secrete stress-relieving hormones. Click the speaker icons to listen to the sample sounds. Experience the Japanese summer sounds and relieve your stress!

Learn about Japanese ironware

The List of Iron Wind Chimes