Azmaya Nambu tetsubin cast-iron kettle of 1,5 liter made by Oitomi in Iwate

Mizusawa, Iwate Prefecture, is a foundry production area with a history of about 900 years. The traditional casting techniques the Oitomi foundry is using have been passed down through generations, to continue to create daily necessities that are useful in modern times. In order to prevent rust, this iron kettle is coated with an oxidized coating by firing the unmolded kettles. This is called ‘kama-yaki’. The outside is further coated with baked lacquer. 

Before first use, rinse the inside of the iron kettle, fill with water and to a boil the water two or three times until the water runs clear.

Be sure to drain the boiled water completely from the pot after use. Remove the lid and let it dry in the residual heat. If water remains, heat it over low heat to evaporate the water, and turn off the heat as soon as it starts to evaporate. If moisture remains, it may cause rust.