Tea service - Iron - 南部Nanbu Tekki





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Traditional Nanbu Tekki cast iron Sencha tea set from Japan, including a Kensui with a removable pierced lid (9.8 cm high, 15 cm wide, 15 cm deep) and five matching chataku saucers (each 9.5 cm wide, 1.9 cm high), total weight 1.886 kg, in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear.
Description from the seller
This is a traditional Nanbu Tekki (南部鉄器) cast iron Sencha tea set consisting of a Kensui (tea waste water bowl / tea water disposal vessel) and five matching Chataku (teacup saucers).
The kensui features a removable pierced lid with a geometric opening, allowing excess hot water from a teapot or yuzamashi to be poured discreetly during a Sencha tea ceremony. The exterior is decorated with an elegant repeating floral pattern, characteristic of Nanbu iron craftsmanship, giving the surface a refined yet powerful texture. The substantial weight reflects the density and quality of traditional cast iron work from Iwate Prefecture.
The five matching cast iron saucers (chataku) display a textured interior relief design and harmonize beautifully with the kensui. Their slightly concave form securely holds small yunomi cups while enhancing the aesthetic presentation of the tea setting.
This set embodies the understated strength and quiet elegance of Japanese ironware and would appeal to collectors of tea utensils, Japanese decorative arts, or traditional Nanbu Tekki.
⸻
Size
Kensui (Tea Waste Water Bowl)
Height: 9.8 cm
Width: 15 cm
Depth: 15 cm
Chataku (each saucer)
Height: 1.9 cm
Width: 9.5 cm
Depth: 9.5 cm
⸻
Weight
Kensui: 1206 g
Each saucer: 130 g
Total weight: 1886 g / 1.886 kg
⸻
Condition
Good vintage condition with minor surface wear consistent with age; no major cracks or structural damage observed.
⸻
Artist Profile
Nanbu Tekki is a traditional Japanese cast iron craft originating in the Morioka region of Iwate Prefecture. Established in the 17th century, it is renowned for its durability, refined surface textures, and functional beauty. Nanbu ironware remains highly valued both in tea culture and as collectible Japanese metalwork.
Seller's Story
This is a traditional Nanbu Tekki (南部鉄器) cast iron Sencha tea set consisting of a Kensui (tea waste water bowl / tea water disposal vessel) and five matching Chataku (teacup saucers).
The kensui features a removable pierced lid with a geometric opening, allowing excess hot water from a teapot or yuzamashi to be poured discreetly during a Sencha tea ceremony. The exterior is decorated with an elegant repeating floral pattern, characteristic of Nanbu iron craftsmanship, giving the surface a refined yet powerful texture. The substantial weight reflects the density and quality of traditional cast iron work from Iwate Prefecture.
The five matching cast iron saucers (chataku) display a textured interior relief design and harmonize beautifully with the kensui. Their slightly concave form securely holds small yunomi cups while enhancing the aesthetic presentation of the tea setting.
This set embodies the understated strength and quiet elegance of Japanese ironware and would appeal to collectors of tea utensils, Japanese decorative arts, or traditional Nanbu Tekki.
⸻
Size
Kensui (Tea Waste Water Bowl)
Height: 9.8 cm
Width: 15 cm
Depth: 15 cm
Chataku (each saucer)
Height: 1.9 cm
Width: 9.5 cm
Depth: 9.5 cm
⸻
Weight
Kensui: 1206 g
Each saucer: 130 g
Total weight: 1886 g / 1.886 kg
⸻
Condition
Good vintage condition with minor surface wear consistent with age; no major cracks or structural damage observed.
⸻
Artist Profile
Nanbu Tekki is a traditional Japanese cast iron craft originating in the Morioka region of Iwate Prefecture. Established in the 17th century, it is renowned for its durability, refined surface textures, and functional beauty. Nanbu ironware remains highly valued both in tea culture and as collectible Japanese metalwork.

