Swallow Pot: A Nambu Ironware Teapot Redefined

Akira Kikuchi's Modern Take on Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, lifestyles have shifted towards mindfulness and simplicity, sparking renewed interest in traditional practices such as the Japanese tea ceremony. The Nambu Tetsubin, a cast iron teapot integral to these ceremonies, has thus found its way back into the spotlight. Akira Kikuchi, a seventh-generation artisan from the Nambu ironware manufacturer Oitomi, has embraced this trend by reimagining the Tetsubin for modern use. The Swallow Pot, a smaller, more functional iteration of the traditional Tetsubin, is designed to fit the needs of today's smaller households, without sacrificing the health benefits and aesthetic appeal of the original.

The Swallow Pot distinguishes itself from its predecessors with several innovative design features. It has a reduced size for easier handling, a square shape to prevent water from remaining at the bottom, and a fixed handle that aligns with the spout for effortless pouring. Kikuchi's design, inspired by a 1980s product from Oitomi, reflects the influence of Scandinavian and mid-century design, which resonates with today's market and the younger generation's appreciation for both modern functionality and traditional value.

Produced using the traditional Kamayaki method, which forms an oxide film on the iron surface to prevent rusting, the Swallow Pot allows for iron to dissolve into the water—a known health benefit of Nambu Tetsubin—without the risk of rust. Oitomi has also collaborated with Kinki University to innovate the manufacturing process, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by using bio-coke made from apple pomace, a carbon-neutral material, instead of typical coke furnaces fuel.

Technical specifications of the Swallow Pot include materials such as cast iron, cherry wood with Urushi lacquer finish for the lid knob, and stainless steel for the tea strainer. Its dimensions and weight make it practical for daily use, while the design ensures stability on stovetops and ease of handling. The teapot's wooden knob enables users to remove the lid without coming into contact with the hot iron, further enhancing its user-friendly design.

The Swallow Pot is not only a functional kitchen tool but also a design statement that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. It serves as both a kettle and a teapot, overcoming the limitations of enameled Tetsubin teapots in the market. This innovative design has earned the Swallow Pot a Silver A' Design Award, recognizing its excellence in creativity, innovation, and design expertise. The Swallow Pot is a celebration of Japanese heritage, adapted for the modern era, and a symbol of the timeless appeal of Nambu ironware.

As a Silver A' Design Award winner, the Swallow Pot has been acknowledged for its exceptional design quality and innovation. It stands as a beacon of how traditional craftsmanship can evolve to meet contemporary needs while maintaining its cultural essence and health-giving properties. Akira Kikuchi's Swallow Pot is more than just a teapot; it's a harmonious blend of art, functionality, and tradition, redefining the Nambu Tetsubin for today's discerning consumers.