Cast Iron Tea Pots Are Special But Inexpensive Gifts

A really interesting gift would be a Japanese ‘tetsubin,’ as the traditional cast iron tea pots of Japan are called. Online is the best place to sample and purchase them because you can view more samples there.  Most cast iron tea pots are reclining oval in shape with the tips of the oval forming the sides. At times, thy can be molded so flat as to resemble buffo’s. There are also spherical ones as well as square ones. You might even see a cast iron tea pot that is shaped like a flattened mountain. The iron may be embossed with different abstract patterns and filigree metalwork.  Alternatively, you may see cast iron tea pots with flowers, bamboo plants and dragons molded into them. The modern ones are frequently coated with porcelain. This is to prevent the metal from getting scratched or rusting. One such item might be a Japanese cast iron tea pot, a beautiful and long-lasting piece of functional art that would contribute to the home as well as brew some very tasty tea. The cast iron tea pot is also a great conversation piece, since its invention goes back to ancient China where cast iron was first invented and used to create weaponry and religious effigies. In addition, this type of tea pot would also make a wonderful wedding present and potential heirloom the bride could pass on to her daughter.

A really interesting gift would be a Japanese ‘tetsubin,’ as the traditional cast iron tea pots of Japan are called. Online is the best place to sample and purchase them because you can view more samples there.  Most cast iron tea pots are reclining oval in shape with the tips of the oval forming the sides. At times, thy can be molded so flat as to resemble buffo’s. There are also spherical ones as well as square ones. You might even see a cast iron tea pot that is shaped like a flattened mountain. The iron may be embossed with different abstract patterns and filigree metalwork.  Alternatively, you may see cast iron tea pots with flowers, bamboo plants and dragons molded into them. The modern ones are frequently coated with porcelain. This is to prevent the metal from getting scratched or rusting. Because this tea pot exhibits such a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing designs and hues, there are many enthusiastic collectors who have an extensive collection of both antique and modern “tetsubins”. You can either purchase one cast iron tea pot at a time or buy them in sets of three, four, or five. Newer, individual pieces can cost around $25, while an entire set may be valued at over one hundred dollars.

The relative costliness of cast iron tea pots is due to the complicated process of making it.  First a mixture of iron and carbon fuel is smelted to produce pig iron.  Then the pig iron is melted again. This time, scrap iron and bits of steel are mixed into it. When everything is evenly processed, the molten metal is poured into the tea pot mold.  The way that the tea pot is cooled spells the difference between a quality cast iron tea pot and a reject. Just as important is the quality and purity of the metal that was used for the vessel. The absence of those two factors can produce cast iron tea pots that are poor in quality and are not durable. And the expertise involved in preparing the materials for the pot partly accounts for the value of the pot.

Starting with pig iron, which as to be re-melted, the manufacturers then have to mix scrap iron and small amounts of steel in with the melted pig iron, which is then poured into a mold for the tea pot. The cooling process is what gives the cast iron tea pot its fine quality as a tea brewing implement because if it is not uniformly cooled, the tea pot will have a rough surface and visibly imperfect cast. Contamination is another problem occurring in the process, such as porosity or flaws in the metal, which can produce a defective product. The ability to properly mix cast iron and fashion a beautiful cast iron tea pot is something that is learned only by practice and experience. Sizes of each tea pot can vary from small to a large pot which can contain over twenty ounces.

If you want to show clearly to people how you care about them, give cast iron tea pots that you have carefully selected. You can either purchase a cast iron tea pot alone or with accompanying cups in a set. The price you pay for affordable pieces may be anything between $25 to over a hundred dollars. One thing you can be certain of is that they will always manage to look more expensive than their price. And because selecting the right one for someone involves some reflection, cast iron tea pots are a nice way to convey the feeling of concern for your friends. There widely different styles in which you can find them. The glazed cast iron tea pots may even have designs similar to Ming pottery but these will belong to the high-end items. You can find affordable ones with delicate floral designs, graceful Japanese calligraphy and even flaming dragons, the symbols of good luck. Although you might find a store to purchase a cast iron tea pot in your area, it would be much easier to locate the cast iron tea pot you want on the internet. By shopping online at tea pot stores on the internet, you will be able to choose from a variety of reasonably priced cast iron tea pots that are decorated with many different colors and details, from delicate flowers to Japanese inscriptions, to vividly drawn dragons.

Add Asian style to your tea time with a cast iron tea pots, glass teapots, or yixing teapots that’s both functional and decorative.