Iwachu, located in Morioka, is one of the finest manufacturers of modern Nanbu ironware, with over a 100 years of history and experience. Craftsmen at Iwachu pay respect to this tradtion by infusing each Iwachu product with precision handcraftsmanship throughout the manufacturing process. Iwachu’s tetsubin (iron tea pots) and cookware have earned a well deserved worldwide reputation for superior quality, beauty, and durability. Some history on ironware in Japan: The abundance of “Satetsu” (sand containing iron), “gantetsu” (rock containing iron), sand, and clay used in the manufacturing of molds and charcoal led to the birth of cast ironware production in the Iwate and Yamagata prefectures of Japan. Nanbu “Tekki”, or ironware, has been produced in Iwate prefecture for more than 400 years, and is highly regarded by the Japanese for its beauty and ability to retain heat. The history of Nanbu ironware dates back to the Momoyama period (1575-1603) when kettle craftsmen from Kyoto prefecture were invited to the Nanbu area (currently Morioka City), and began casting kettles and tools for the tea ceremony. Later, craftsmen were brought from many parts of Japan to Mizusawa, about 30 miles south of Morioka. They are credited for both preserving and advancing the traditional skills and techniques of casting. The “namagata” technique became popular in Mizusawa, where prefabricated master molds were used to facilitate ironware production. CT Bin A, S1