Authentic Wazuqu Kikuchi Hojudo Cast Iron Teapot Tetsukyusu Arare Signed – Japan

Authentic Masterpiece: Stamped Wazuqu Traditional Japanese Yamaji Cast Iron Teapot (Tetsukyusu)

Up for auction is a premium, authentic Japanese cast iron teapot (Tetsukyusu) crafted by the legendary Kikuchi Hojudo (Wazuqu) foundry in Yamagata, Japan. Features a timeless matte black hobnail design and an elegant, arched overhead handle. Signed with the traditional maker’s stamp on the body. This high-grade artisan pot retains heat beautifully and features a fully enameled interior to prevent corrosion. Perfect for steeping loose-leaf green, oolong, or black teas.

Care:

Never heat it directly on a stove: This is a Tetsukyusu (steeping teapot), not a Tetsubin (boiling kettle). Direct stovetop flame or induction heat will crack the internal enamel coating. Boil your water separately in a standard kettle, then pour it into the Tetsukyusu to steep your tea.

History:

Wazuqu (Kikuchi Hojudo) cast iron teapots are considered traditional handmade artisan pieces.

While they use a specialized casting mold to form the core body, the entire production is an intensive, master-crafted process rather than an automated factory assembly line.The master craftsmen at the Kikuchi Hojudo foundry (which has been operating since 1604 across 15 generations) follow a strict 76-step traditional methodology to make every single piece:

• Hand-Applied Texture: The signature Arare (hobnail) bumpy design is not stamped by a machine. An artisan uses an engraving tool to physically press each individual dot indentation by hand into the interior walls of the clay casting mold before the molten metal is poured.
• Bespoke Metal Forging: The unique raw iron sand formula (wazuqu) is mixed and smelted using historical forging techniques similar to how traditional Japanese samurai swords are created.
• High-Temperature Enameling: The inside glass glaze is hand-sprayed and baked at ultra-high temperatures to bond flawlessly with the porous iron.
• The “Drip-Free” Finish: Every single spout is ground down, polished, and custom-angled by a master craftsman’s hand to guarantee that it is completely 100% drip-free when pouring.

A spectacular addition to any serious Asian art pottery collection or for daily traditional tea ceremonies. Please examine all high-resolution photos carefully to verify condition details prior to purchasing.

Secured and packed with absolute care in a heavily padded box. Fast shipping with tracking!