Cast Iron Bells by Kotobuki

cast iron
Small: 2.5" x 2" x 2" 
Large: 3" x 2.25" x 2.25"

Nanbu Tekki is a  900-year-old ironware industry that is specific to the Iwate Prefecture of Japan. It is most commonly used to make kettles and teapots, though other functional and decorative objects are also produced using the same casting methods. The most famous foundries still in operation belong to the Iwachu company, founded in 1902 by Sueyoshi Iwashimizu, who was born in the region from which this form originated. These classic style Iwachu pinecone and pine needle windbells are called Furin; “Fu” is wind and “rin” is bell in Japanese. They are cast using the same materials and techniques, as well as the vocabulary of relief pattern surfaces and patinas inherent to all traditional Nanbu Tekki objects.