Testsubin’ translates to iron kettle. The Tetsubin tea kettle with its rich history and alluring qualities when brewing tea, is a favourite among Japanese tea connoisseurs but may not be familiar to others.
Digging into the history and significance of tetsubin necessitates learning about the traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, sometimes referred to as ‘chanoyu’ or ‘sadou/chadou.’
Every tool plays a vital part in these ceremonies, which emphasize hospitality, harmony, and tranquility. For example, the gradual boiling of water in a Tetsubin promotes respect, awareness, and patience.
The origins of the Japanese Tetsubin tea kettle are somewhat unclear, but many historians believe it emerged alongside the rise of sencha tea in Japan during the mid-17th century.
History of Tetsubin Tea Kettle
Sencha, originally from China, became a popular, informal tea enjoyed among friends and family. This growing popularity led to the increased use of tetsubin.
The design of the tetsubin, which evolved, is thought to have been influenced by earlier tea kettles such as the ‘Toyama’ and ‘Mizusosogi.’