Hiramaru kikko

Name:
Hiramaru kikko

Content:
0,8 liter

About this piece:
An iron casted kettle recomended for those afraid of getting rusty their tetsubin. The inside of this iron kettle  is lacquered, just like the outside of the iron kettle. The boiled water still contains a bit of iron.

A rust and maintenance free tetsubin. It took me a while to test these new tetsubins that are half and more of the price of the ‘real’ or let’s say old style ones. Those that get easily rusty inside and by time also some part outside, those that are often in contact with water.

The delay was caused partly by my laziness that also stems from my addiction using my old, rusty one.

These ‘cheaper’ ones have inside and also outside vulnerable parts protected by a special layer of urushi lacquer. Through this layer still water boiled is influenced by the iron (getting its good quality).

I tested these tetsubins on charcoal, gas and electric stove. All passed very well without any damage done. Although I highly recommned to be careful leaving an empty tetsubin on a stove.

One more remark about the size of them and a size/content needed/prefered. I usually boil not more than 0.5 liter of water. Then I use it for one the most two brews. Then I add a bit of water to refresh the consequent brew. Actually I refrain to have the water boiling for more than 20 or seconds. This all effect the outcome – the tea. So there is ‘no need’ for bigger and heavier tetsubin, although both small and big’s has their cons and pros.

Made in:

Foundry Oiharu manufacture, Oshu, Japan, established 1954