About Oitomi (Nambu Tekki maker)

Oitomi was established in 1848. Oitomi products are all made by Oitomi from design till the end of the process. Current artisan, Ichiro Oikawa is in 7th generation in Oitomi, and he is making traditional yet contemporary products. Their beautiful and high-quality products are well renowned worldwide.

Sand mould

Every 2-3 days, artisans in Oitomi pour the melted iron liquid into the sand mould. Inside of the sand mould, there are other moulds (brown colour) which make the pot shape. The craftsmen put so much effort for the process since it is critical to creating a high-quality teapot & kettle with the exact thickness of iron. Even a subtle movement of artisans could make a wrong form, and it needs tremendous attention for the process.

Pouring melted iron into mould

Photo: Before pouring the melted iron into the sand mould. The speed of the process varies on products. The expertise artisans have brilliant skills to find out the right timing and the pace for the procedure.

Smoke out of the mould

After pouring the iron into the sand mould. During winter, the room is filled with full of smoke.

Iron pots out of the mould

Once the temperature of the iron goes down, the artisans crack the sand mould, and the beautiful iron teapots come out of the mould.

Polishing process

Removing sand and polishing pots with many dedicated patterns- artisans are carefully completing the process.

Baking in an oven

Pots are sitting in the oven with about 900 degree celsius. The process is for coating inside of the pots.

Artisans of Oitomi

Ladles