Japanese Teapot Symbols and Meanings

Cast iron teapots, also known as tetsubin teapots, are a status symbol in Japan. They often contain Japanese symbols that reveal deeper meaning. For example, the symbol of a dragon on a Japanese tetsubin pot is a popular design for those who want to exhibit power and strength.

Here are some more examples:

•Chrysanthemum: Symbolizes autumn harvest. Rich & beautiful, filled with hope.
•Cherry Blossom: National flower of Japan; symbol for beauty
•Coins: Prosperity
•Dragon: Power, strength, and good fortune
•Dragonfly: New beginnings and good fortune; marriage•Elephant: Mighty and kind.
•Fire: Warmth and Romance
•Ginkgo: Memory and energy
•Gourd: Good health and long life
•Hobnail: Strength
•Horse: Leadership, intelligence and loyalty.
•Lotus: A symbol of purity and enlightenment. The lotus comes out of the mire but it is not itself soiled.
•Maple Leaf: Spriritual growth
•Monkey: Quick witted & full with energy.
•Pine Needle: Friendship and long life
•Plum Blossom: Beauty, strength & will power. One of the only flowers that withstands the cold & bloom in spring
•Rabbit: Happiness, fertility, good luck, and family unity
•Rooster: High energy and full of warrior's spirits. Praise those who bring good news at day break.
•Ripple Pattern: Positive energy and infinity
•Sea Wave & Sea Foam: Positive Change
•Serpent: Wisdom
•Shogun Warrior's Armor: Strength and courage•Sun: Happiness
•Tatara Designed Pots: Special edition pots that fuse all styles. Designed by artist Tatara which have unique texture and shape.
•Tea leaf: Good health. The holes in the leaf indicate that the leaf is organic, no pesticide, bugs like to eat the leaf.
•Tiger: King of the wild animals, the tiger is a symbol of courage and bravery and it can drive off demons, is a powerful protection.
•Wind: Serenity

Searching for a cast iron teapot that reflects your personality or character? Check out www.castirongoods.com

Adding More Cast Iron Products

Cast Iron Goods has grown considerably over the last year, so we've decided it's time to expand our inventory as well! We are currently reviewing cast iron cookware to add to our site, and plan to add more cast iron items in the near future.

Testing a variety of cast iron skillets and cast iron pans has been a fun process for our family. We've made great meals together, and enjoy sharing our opinions.

If you would like us to review any of your cast iron products, or add particular items to our site, please email Kelly at Kelly@CastIronGoods.com.

Thanks :)

Using Cast Iron Teapots

Cast Iron Teapots

Cast Iron Teapot Care Instructions

Proper care of a cast iron teapot will afford you a lifetime of use. After each use, allow pot to cool completely before cleaning. Rinse and gently clean pot, cover and infuse thoroughly with warm water only. Do not use soaps or detergents. Wipe the outside dry with a clean cloth while the pot is still warm. Invert the pot to air dry before replacing infuser and lid. Avoid contact with salt and oils. Due to the iron content of the teapot, we recommend the use of a trivet to protect table linens and surfaces.

In the unlikely event of rust, the pot can still be used. Rust from the teapot is non-toxic and perfectly safe. In fact, many Japanese tea connoisseurs actually prefer the taste of tea from a rusted iron teapot!
If rust bothers you, clean the rusted area with a soft brush, then fill the pot with used tea leaves and boiling water. Allow to sit for 20 minutes, discard and rinse. Tannic acid in the tea reacts with the rust and forms a natural seal, helping to prevent the reoccurrence of rust.

The benefits of using a cast iron teapot is that they are extremely durable and will last for generations! They have an excellent ability to retain heat. Made of specially purified cast iron, they are a symbol of strength and unity.

Please note, the iron teapot is not suitable for stovetop use.

For more step-by-step care instructions, please visit http://www.castirongoods.com/

A Little Bit About Us

Cast Iron Goods is primarily operated by a mother, Kim, and her daughter, Kelly.  We live in northern California, and strive to live a healthy and holistic lifestyle.  Aside from our internet business (www.castirongoods.com), we enjoy being active, cooking, running, and spending time with our extended family.

We encourage you to post any questions or comments you have directly on this blog, or email us at info@castirongoods.com!

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog, where you will find valuable information about cast iron teapots, the health benefits of tea, how to make your own tea, and many other helpful topics related to cast iron products. You will also learn more about the Cast Iron Goods team (AKA our family) and our experiences using cast iron products. Enjoy!