Nambu Ironware Swallow Pot Water Kettle Teapot by Akira Kikuchi |
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| DESIGN NAME: Nambu Ironware Swallow Pot PRIMARY FUNCTION: Water Kettle Teapot INSPIRATION: Sudden and disastrous spread of Covid-19 throughout the world completely changed our notion of daily life—all of a sudden we confronted with harsh realities by losing someone close to us; we had to completely stop our daily routines―commuting to work or school, or going out to enjoy holidays or seeing families; even daily glossary shopping had to be skipped not to get in touch with people. Everyone in the world confronted with Covid issue realized what we had used to think natural and common is no longer normal. This made us look into our own mind, through slower lifestyles or mindfulness—in detail, people took notice with more spiritual ideas and activities such as “zen” or “Japanese tea ceremony”, and traditional Nambu Tetsubin received attention as an instrument to be used in such activities and ceremonies. Within such trend of our times, the purpose of producing this product is to find a true balance between user-friendliness and Japanese traditional craftsmanship in a product used in our daily life, in order to bring up the product to a new stage, suitable for younger generations with modern lifestyles. Today, our family composition has become smaller with less number of family members, and selection and usage of kitchen tools is more selective yet personalized in our modern lifestyles to look for additional values, such as health-giving element or good design statement. Within this trend, the design qualities and its large size of the traditional Nambu tetsubin no longer meet the needs of the market. For example, traditional Nambu tetsubin is equipped with a handle designed to be hung over the fire at the fireplace—therefor UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Traditional Nambu Tetsubin has some drawbacks when used by a small family with modern lifestyle. Thus, its size is reduced for easier handling, the round shape was replaced with square shape in straight line as the water tends to remain at the bottom. Movable round handle is fixed and given straight line to hold easily, while the handle and the spout are set at the same height to pour by a little twist of the wrist. This Tetsubin is named Swallow Pot for its swallow-like appearance. OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: This Tetsubin functions both as a kettle and a teapot. The main body has a flat bottom unlike traditional Nambu Tetsubin, so that it is very stable when put on a stovetop or flat surfaces. The handle draws straight line yet round surface, which feels easy on hand; the angle of the handle attached to the main body keeps hand away from the hot body, and pouring is easy just by a slight twist of a wrist. Wooden knob on the lid allows to pick up the lid easily without touching the hot iron surface. PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: Development of the prototype began in the 1980s, and the latest improved version was released on January 7th, 2021. |
PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: Cooking with ironware is effective to take iron content to our body. However, ironware with enameled finish for rust prevention eliminates this benefit. Oitomi incorporates traditional Kamayaki method to form oxide film on iron surface for rusting, allowing Tetsubin to supply iron without rusting. Oitomi is working with Kinki University to reduce CO2 emissions during manufacturing by replacing typical coke furnaces fuel with bio-coke made from apple pomace considered as carbon neutral material. SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Materials: Cast iron, Cherry wood with Urushi lacquer finish (lid knob), Stainless steel (tea strainer) Dimensions: Spout to end of handle: 25 cm Diameter: 11.5 cm Height: 9.5 cm Capacity: 0.6 L Weight: 1.3 kg TAGS: kettle, teaware, teapot, ironware, cast iron RESEARCH ABSTRACT: - CHALLENGE: - ADDED DATE: 2023-04-16 07:16:12 TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Producer & Art Director: Kaito Kikuchi of Nambu Ironware Studio Oitomi and Collaborative production partner: Marusan Shikki Hidehira-nuri lacquerware manufacture IMAGE CREDITS: Akira Kikuchi, 2023. |
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| Visit the following page to learn more: https://oitomi.com/ | |||||
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NAME: Nambu Ironware Studio Oitomi PROFILE: Nambu Ironware Studio Oitomi was founded in 1848 with 170 year of history, originating from the craft making of iron tea kettle used in Japanese tea ceremony. We are group of artisans committed to sustainable product manufacturing based on craftsmanship established in its long history, utilizing traditional cast iron technique with iron as a sustainable natural material, which would contribute toward preserving natural resources and environment for future generations. |
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Nambu Ironware Swallow Pot Water Kettle Teapot by Akira Kikuchi is Winner in Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Category, 2023 - 2024.· Press Members: Login or Register to request an exclusive interview with Akira Kikuchi. · Click here to register inorder to view the profile and other works by Akira Kikuchi. |
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