Oitomi – Japanese Cast Iron from the Nambu Region
A foundry established in 1848
Oitomi began as Hoshodo in 1848 in Mizusawa-Hada, now part of Oshu in Iwate Prefecture. Founder Oikawa Rigenta served as a kettle craftsman to the Date clan. The workshop thus grew from tea culture and the region’s much older casting tradition.
Two roots behind Nambu ironware
Nambu ironware encompasses the traditions of both Morioka and Oshu-Mizusawa in Iwate. The two production centres were joined under the Nambu ironware name in 1959. Oitomi represents the Mizusawa lineage and still produces in the same city.
From mould to finished surface
Oitomi integrates design, mould making, casting, finishing and colouring. Sand moulds define the geometry, molten iron is poured, and the cooled object is released, cleaned and checked. Pattern, joins and surface call for the maker’s judgement at several stages.
Patina, variation and use
Cast iron has a responsive surface that can change through touch, heat, moisture and time. Small differences in texture and tone are natural results of casting and finishing. They should not, however, be confused with cracks, loose parts or functional defects.
Care depends on the object
A tetsubin for boiling water, an enamelled teapot and a decorative iron object require different care. Always follow the specific instructions. As a general principle, do not leave cast iron wet: empty, dry and store it with ventilation. Never apply heat unless the product is explicitly made for it.
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