Hinomarugata tetsubin (Large) / 日の丸型鉄瓶　大

Intangible Cultural Heritage: 13th Generation Morihisa Design. This piece stands out for its modern design. Its simple, thin, and delicate lines are beautifully crafted, making it a timeless masterpiece loved across generations.

The Hinomaru, also featured in Japan's national flag, is regarded as a symbol of the sun, representing life and prosperity. It is the most popular tetsubin made by the studio, crafted with great care by Morihisa the 15th, who upholds the tradition with deep respect for her predecessors. Each piece is produced in limited quantities each year, making it rare and highly sought after.

Nambu Tekki can be manufactured using a method called namagata, which is well-suited for mass production. This involves mixing sand with water and a binding agent, then pressing it into a mold using machinery. In contrast, the Suzuki Morihisa Studio uses the yakigata technique, where each mold is handcrafted and left unglazed. This allows for the engraving of intricate patterns. The exquisite and delicate cast surface, designed by successive generations of the family, is truly remarkable and a must-see.

*What is "Intangible Cultural Heritage"?
It refers to traditions, skills, and knowledge passed down through generations, like performing arts, festivals, and craftsmanship. Unlike physical objects, these are living practices. In Japan, important cultural traditions are protected by the government and the people who preserve them. Some of the most skilled practitioners are recognized as "Living National Treasures."

・Size: dia.15.5 cm x H24.5 cm / Capacity: 1.3 L / Weight: 1.3 kg
・Limited to one piece
・Due to the handmade by craftsman nature of our products, the actual texture, size, etc. may differ from those shown in the photos and descriptions.
・please find the below Precautions for handling.

International Shopping Guide

無形文化財である十三代盛久のデザインは、シンプルで細く繊細な線が美しく、世代を超えて愛され続けている逸品です。日の丸は、日本の国旗にも使われている太陽の象徴であり、生命や繁栄を意味します。この鉄瓶は、十五代が伝統を受け継ぎ、先人への敬意を込めて一つひとつ丁寧に作り上げたもので、工房の中でも特に人気があります。また、年間の製作数が限られているため、その稀少性も高く評価されています。

南部鉄器の製造方法には、「生型」と呼ばれる、大量生産向きの技法があります。これは、砂に水と凝固剤を混ぜて機械で押し固める方法です。しかし、鈴木盛久工房では、一つひとつ手作業で作った鋳型を焼き固める「焼型」を使って鉄瓶を製造しています。これにより、細やかな模様を刻むことが可能となり、代々の当主がデザインした美しく繊細な鋳肌を生み出しています。

・サイズ : 15.5cm（直径）×24.5cm（高）/ 容量 : 1.3?/ 重量 : 1.3kg
・現品1点限り
・商品は職人による手作りのため、風合いやサイズなどが写真や表記と異なることがございます。

Precautions for handling

<Before First Use>
When using your tetsubin for the first time, it is necessary to boil water and discard it 2?3 times. Once the water you boil becomes clear, it is safe to drink. It takes about two weeks for the tetsubin to reach its full potential, so we recommend using it daily during this period.

The inside of the lid is coated with lacquer for decoration, but it will naturally peel off when exposed to steam as you boil water. After the lacquer peels off, the oxide layer underneath will protect the lid, so you can continue using it without worry.

<Heating the Tetsubin>
While using charcoal is the best way to heat your tetsubin, you can also use a gas stove or an induction cooktop. If you do, be sure to use low to medium heat.

<Role of Limescale (Yunaka)>
About two weeks after you start using your tetsubin, brown spots or white deposits will begin to appear inside. This is called yunaka (limescale), and it’s harmless. In fact, yunaka helps improve the taste of the water, enhancing tea and coffee. Don’t remove it, as it’s part of the tetsubin's charm. Brown limescale forms with soft water, while white limescale forms with hard water.

<Daily Care>
After each use, it is important to dry the inside of the tetsubin to prevent rust. You can do this by emptying the water while it’s still hot and leaving the lid off, allowing the residual heat to dry the inside. Alternatively, you can gently dry it over low heat, but be careful not to overheat the empty kettle, as it can cause rust.
Never use detergent or scrub the inside with a brush, as this can damage the protective oxide layer and cause rust.

For the outside, simply wipe with a dry cloth. Occasionally, you can wipe the exterior with a cloth dipped in green tea while the tetsubin is still warm. This will give the surface a nice shine over time, as the kettle is coated with lacquer, which helps prevent rust. Even if the lacquer wears off, continued use will develop a beautiful patina on the surface. This is part of the unique charm of Nambu tetsubin.

<Storage>
When storing your tetsubin for an extended period, make sure the inside is completely dry. Store it in a well-ventilated area without wrapping it in cloth or paper. Ideally, try to use your tetsubin at least once a month. If left unused for too long, it may take about a week to bring it back to optimal condition.

取り扱い上の注意

<初めてのご使用について>
ご購入後、鉄瓶を初めて使用する際は、お湯を沸かして捨てる作業を2～3回繰り返してください。沸かしたお湯が無色になれば、飲用が可能です。鉄瓶の本来の良さを引き出すには約2週間かかりますので、その間は毎日ご使用いただくことをお勧めします。

また、新品の蓋裏には化粧漆が塗られていますが、お湯を沸かすと蒸気で自然に剥がれます。剥がれた後も下地の酸化被膜が蓋を守りますので、そのままお使いください。

<鉄瓶の加熱について>
鉄瓶でお湯を沸かすには炭が最適ですが、ガスコンロや電磁調理器でも問題ありません。ただし、弱火～中火で使用してください。

<湯あかの役割>
鉄瓶を使い始めて約2週間後、内側に褐色や白色の斑点が現れます。これは「湯あか」と呼ばれ、無害であり、お湯の味を引き立てる効果がありますので、取り除かないでください。軟水を使用すると褐色、硬水では白色の湯あかがつきます。

<日常のお手入れ>
使用後は鉄瓶内部を乾燥させて錆を防いでください。鉄瓶が熱いうちに蓋を外し、余熱で内部を乾かすか、弱火で乾燥させると良いでしょう。ただし、空焚きは錆の原因となるので避けてください。内部は洗剤やたわしで洗わないでください。酸化被膜が破損し、錆びる原因となります。外側は乾いた布巾で拭いてください。熱いうちに煎茶に浸した布で拭くと、表面に光沢が出て美しくなります。漆が剥がれても、使い続けることで独特の色合いになります。

<保管方法>
長期保管する場合、内部をよく乾燥させ、風通しの良い場所に布や紙に包まず置いてください。可能であれば月に1度は使用することをお勧めします。長期間使わないと、再び良い状態に戻すのに約1週間かかることがあります。