Chushin Kobo Yamagata Cast Iron Teapot - Hiratsubo 1.4 L - Red / 山形鋳物 急須
Chushin Kobo (鋳心ノ工房) is a contemporary metal workshop led by designer Hisanori Masuda in Yamagata, a region with over 900 years of cast-iron making. Their work begins with tradition, but it never stops there — what they create is distinctly modern.
Every piece is shaped with restraint: clean lines, soft silhouettes, and surfaces that carry the subtle texture of sand-casting. This is beauty that comes not from decoration, but from essence. The weight of the iron is reassuring in the hand; the warmth of natural wood brings a gentle balance. Together, the materials express a harmony that is deeply Japanese: strength and softness, presence and quiet.
Rather than reproducing historical forms, Chushin Kobo designs for contemporary living. These pieces are made to be lived with — to sit close at hand, to be handled, to quietly accompany everyday rituals. They hold a character that becomes more meaningful over time, the kind of object you reach for every day without thinking, because it simply feels right to use and to have nearby.
At Osara, we were drawn to this collection for its sincerity — and for the dedication of Hisanori Masuda himself, who, in his seventies, still attends events and meets people one by one. There is no attempt to impress. No excess. Just thoughtful craft that rests gently and unobtrusively in the home — a small, grounding reminder of care. These pieces help shape a gentle rhythm in our days: preparing tea, pausing in the afternoon light, placing incense, taking a breath.
About Yamagata Imono – Traditional Cast Iron from Yamagata, Japan
The tradition of Yamagata Imono (Yamagata Cast Iron) dates back to the late Heian period, when metalworkers travelling with the legendary general Minamoto no Yoshitsune discovered the fine sand of the Mamigasaki River in Yamagata—ideal for casting iron. It is said that this discovery marked the beginning of a casting culture that would continue to evolve for centuries.
Rooted in everyday utility and craftsmanship, Yamagata Imono has developed into a refined art form. In recent decades, it has gained widespread acclaim throughout Japan for its delicate casting techniques—particularly those known for achieving “Hakuniku Birei”, a method celebrated for creating incredibly thin and beautifully smooth finishes.
Today, Yamagata cast ironware is officially recognised as a traditional craft in Japan. Each piece reflects the region’s long-standing commitment to skill, material integrity, and understated beauty—designed not only to serve a purpose but to elevate everyday rituals with quiet elegance.
As the whole piece is handmade in Japan, slight irregularities in size, glaze, colour and texture might occur and reflect the nature of the artisan product.
■ What's included in one purchase? One (1) Ornament in a Cardboard Box
■ Made In Japan
■ Size: 17 cm x 21 cm x 18 cm (H), 1400 ml
■ Material: Cast Iron (Body), Stainless Steel (Tea Strainer)
■ Comes with a box, great as a gift!