This beautiful cast iron teapot features a gold sakura (cherry blossom) relief, against a brown background. The teapot is hand painted and can hold 650ml. This cast iron teapot is an artistic object for everyday use. For over a hundred years Iwachu have been making tetsubin (iron tea pots) in the city of Morioka in Iwate prefecture. They are one of the most well known and respected manufacturers of Nanbu ironware, and are renowned for making tetsubin of superior quality and beauty. A cast iron teapot will keep your tea warm for nearly an hour. Today, the craftsmen of Iwachu respect their old tradition: Each teapot is infused with the same precision craftsmanship at each stage of the long and complex manufacturing process, which consists of 64 to 68 different steps, most of which are still undertaken by hand. The whole process is controlled by a master craftsman known as a "kamashi", who makes sure that quality is never compromised. Please note that the lacquered finish of this product is designed to fade and patinate over time in an attractive way. Please do not use detergents, grease or salt on this product, and do not rub the product to clean it, as we cannot guarantee the finish if you do these things. The teapot is enamel coated on the inside. It also comes with its very own stainless steel tea strainer. A guidebook is supplied with this teapot, which shows the manufacturing process, as well as instructions for its care and usage. Note: please read the supplied care instructions before using your teapot