The rich culture and history of Japanese Tetsubin

The rich culture and history of Japanese Tetsubin

The exact date when Japanese tetsubin first appeared in Japan is still unclear, but much evidence suggests a strong connection between the rise of sencha (tea drinking with tea leaves) and the early tetsubin.

With this hypothesis, it is suggested that Japanese tetsubin was developed in Japan with the rise of Sencha, which was introduced to Japan from China in the 17th century. During this period, Sencha was not considered a formal ceremony, but tea was already recognized as a drink closely associated with medicinal herbs.

During the 18th century, as more and more Japanese drank tea, Sencha increasingly became an informal place to share a cup of tea with family and friends. Because Chinese tea utensils used in Sencha were too rare and expensive, the Japanese developed a new Japanese-style teapot to replace the expensive Chinese ones - resulting in the creation of the first Tetsubins.

Most likely, early Tetsubin was not just created out of imagination, but was shaped by the design of other Japanese cauldrons that already existed at the time. But why did they need to develop a Tetsubin when they already had a usable kettle? A good reason could be the general belief of many tea enthusiasts that water boiled in an iron kettle really tastes better than water boiled in regular kettles.

Throughout the 18th century, the Japanese tetsubin remained a common household appliance used to heat water, make tea, and provide heat. However, it underwent changes in decorative design along with Japanese art in general.

As Japanese art gradually became influenced by mainland China in the 19th century, the styles and design of Japanese Tetsubins became more elaborate. Not long enough, a wide range of Tetsubin teapots were available, from the simplest kettle style to extravagantly designed works of art. The Japanese tetsubin then gradually developed into a cultural status symbol for its owner.

Although Tetsubins were originally influenced by drinking Sencha and remained a household item, it plays an important role in the tea ceremony. It is used in Chanoyu during Ryakubon. This teapot is also often used in place of the cha-gama when chanoyu is kept outdoors. Another Japanese ceremony that uses tetsubin is kaiseki, a light meal before chanoyu.

The decoration and shapes of Japanese tetsubin are beautiful in their simplicity and practicality. Tea enthusiasts these days can enjoy tea in the comfort of their own home with teapots that are so easy to use.