Volume: 0.85 liter maximum and 0.8 liter in normal use.
Weight: 1196 gr
Diameter at the base: 8 cm
Height with handle: 19 cm approximately
Origin: Longwen Tang studio, Kyoto, Japan.
This ancient cast iron tetsubin is not glazed inside, so that the water can interact with the iron. Iron adds a nice sweet and deep taste to the tea. Therefore, it's more suitable if you brew Oolongs or puerh. This tetsubin has signs of rust inside, but the water coming out of it is transparent and good to use. However, it still has some old smell because it hasn't been used for a long time. This will improve as you use it often.
The best way to take care of a tetsubin is to use it very regularly. Each time, it's important to empty and dry the kettle when you're done using it. If you leave water in it overnight, the iron will start to rust, and this will produce a heavier taste for the water. Don't use chemicals to clean it. Only a clean, dry cloth for the outside.
This tetsubin is a testament to good craftsmanship. It was made in the year 1930 by the Longwen Tang studio in Kyoto. The iron is of good quality and the sound of the metal is high pitched like a bell. The rough skin of the kettle looks very natural. There are decorations on both sides: a bamboo and a phoenix flying in the sky. The knob is beautifully shaped like a flower and can be easily grabbed. This kettle is best used for a very slow water flow that maximizes the aftertaste of the tea. It can be heated on a resistance or a gas stove.