Object Lessons: The Great Japanese Cast-Iron Kettle - Remodelista
Since medieval times, the cast-iron kettle has stood at the center of the traditional Japanese household, steaming on the stove and ready to supply water for tea at a moment’s notice. Although the newer kettles provide a quicker boil, they lack the same sense of ceremony and comfort, which explains the ongoing popularity of the tetsubin. The flared silhouette of the Nambu Tekki Kettle looks both ancient and modern; $572.79 at Analogue Life. The Tetu Cast Iron Kettle is $460 at Natala Natala. The cast-iron construction means that the water retains its heat longer. Jasper Morrison designed the Palma Kettle for Japanese cast-iron company Olgen as part of a post-tsunami initiative to boost traditional industries. Olgen has been manufacturing cast-iron for 160 years and this example celebrates the tetsubin craft while lending it a modern sensibility. French cast-iron manufacturer Staub’s Japanese-influenced Round Tea Kettle is a longtime Remodelista favorite; $160 at Williams-Sonoma. Object Lessons columnist Megan Wilson is the owner of Ancient Industries and the curator of the Remodelista 100, a collection of everyday essential objects featured in the Remodelista book.