Tetsubin Cast Iron Teapot Large w/Kiyomizu-yaki Pot Lid, Navy (Cherry Blossom) [Made in Japan/Japan Import]

Score: 4/5 StarsReview:Size - First thing to know when considering this teapot is that even though the product title says “large” this teapot is actually quite small (see picture with Coke can). You’ll only get about 1 to 2 cups of tea each time with this teapot.Quality - This is a real made-in-Japan Nambu cast iron teapot from the famous Oigen foundry . While the coloring of similar teapots look painted on, the deep blue of this teapot looks as though it is part of the iron itself. The lid is hand painted porcelain from artisans in Kyoto. I loved how the teapot was packaged with two pamphlets (in Japanese) that explains the history and work that went into making the product. This is a teapot I would both enjoy using and proudly display on a table.Value - The reason I knocked off one star is that this teapot is only for people care about the historical time-intensive hand craftsmanship that goes into making this kind of teapot. This is a very expensive teapot, especially for it’s size. While obviously not made to the same quality, you can easily find similar looking teapots on Amazon for $30 that are mass produced in China. Also, since this teapot is enamel coated inside, it doesn’t have any effect on the taste of tea, unlike Yixing clay pots, which will absorb and enhance flavors. Your tea will taste the same from this pot as with any other glass or porcelain teapot.Conclusion - I recommend this teapot for people who admire handmade Japanese products from artisans. The price of this teapot doesn’t make the tea taste better, it’s beautifully made and will probably last many lifetimes. But in the end, we’re taking about a teapot, not a Rolex or fancy piece of jewelry. If you just care about brewing tea, there are a lot of much more affordable alternatives to consider.