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Iwate/Morioka Suzuki Morihisa Studio | A 400-year-old tradition: Nambu ironware tea coasters that transform the tea you serve to guests

2026年7月28日 06:14

The tea you serve to guests casually. There are moments when changing just one piece of tableware can shift the atmosphere of the room. Suzuki Morihisa Studio in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture, is a long-established workshop that has been casting iron for 15 generations over approximately 400 years, ever since it was appointed as a master caster for the Nambu clan in 1625. In this article, we will focus on their tea coasters featuring the "Arare" (hailstone) pattern, which carries on this legacy.

Note: This article contains affiliate links using the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase through these links, the author may receive a certain commission, but this does not influence the selection or evaluation of the products in any way.

The item introduced here is the Former Nambu Clan Master Caster Suzuki Morihisa Studio 13th Generation Morihisa Arare/Tengai Tea Coaster 2-Piece Set (¥14,980).

The background of this craft

The history of Nambu ironware is said to have begun during the Keicho era, when the 27th Nambu clan lord, Toshinao, built Kozukata Castle in Morioka and promoted various industries. In 1625, the Suzuki family's Echizen-no-Kami Nuidono Tsunatsuna was appointed as the official caster for the Nambu family from his home province of Koshu, and the family has served the clan for generations while casting Buddhist altar fittings and temple bells. For 15 generations since, they have kept the techniques of the caster alive in Morioka. The 13th generation head was a master craftsman recognized as a holder of a national intangible cultural property, and the current 15th generation head, Shiiko Kumagai, is known as the first female master caster in the history of Nambu ironware. Even a single tea coaster carries 400 years of local history and time.

There are other famous Nambu ironware workshops in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. Please also take a look at the article introducing Iwachu iron kettles.

Craftsmanship and dedication

The "Arare" (hailstone) pattern that spreads across the surface of the tea coaster is created by carving dots one by one into the mold, allowing the cast iron to capture the texture of the indentations. Although it may look like a monotonous repetition, the depth and arrangement of the grains change with the craftsman's touch, giving it a subtle variation not found in mass-produced items. After casting, the surface undergoes a firing process, which protects against rust while maintaining the texture of the iron. While this process is a traditional technique common to all Nambu ironware, Suzuki Morihisa Studio continues to use molds passed down since the 13th generation, meaning the history of the studio is etched directly into the pattern of each piece.

Reasons for choosing this product

The deciding factor in choosing these tea coasters was their versatility, allowing them to be used for both guests and daily life. The same studio offers items such as an ashtray with a box (¥6,990) and a mini tray 3-piece set (¥12,980), which are small items that make it easy to incorporate the texture of iron into your home, and the appeal of being able to experience the studio's worldview starting with just one coaster. Because the Arare pattern blends well with both Japanese and Western-style rooms, another reason for my selection was that they don't have to be special tableware reserved only for guests, but can easily be paired with everyday teacups and small plates.

Situations where I want to use them

When welcoming guests and serving green tea, having a tea coaster adds a sense of poise to your movements. The texture of the iron, which emits a dull glow, looks great not only under a guest's teacup but also under an everyday coffee cup, and it blends naturally into a Western-style living room table. They are also a popular choice as gifts for older people, such as for Respect for the Aged Day or a 60th birthday celebration, and the fact that they come in a box provides peace of mind. Some people use them as small containers or pen rests on their study desks, where the weight of the iron also acts as a paperweight or non-slip base for stationery. If you keep a 2-piece set in your guest tableware cupboard during the Obon season or New Year holidays when you have many visitors, you can be ready for unexpected guests at any time. The Arare pattern, where each piece has a slightly different expression, is also a tool that offers new discoveries every time you use it.

Care and tips for long-term use

Since Nambu ironware tea coasters are finished with a fired surface, basic care is simple: just wipe off any moisture with a dry cloth after use. If left wet for a long time, white spot-like rust may appear, so it is a good habit to wipe them dry immediately after use. If you use dish soap, wash them gently with a soft cloth or sponge, and avoid using tools that might scratch the surface, such as metal scrubbers. If stored in a place away from direct sunlight and high temperature and humidity, the color of the iron will gradually mature into a calm amber hue. Enjoying how the appearance changes with the care you put into it is one of the unique pleasures of cast iron.

Other excellent items from the same region to consider

From the same Suzuki Morihisa Studio, there is an ashtray with a box (¥6,990), a mini tray 3-piece set (¥12,980) which is convenient for organizing small items for guests, and the tea coaster with a wheat design (¥8,890) which has a refreshing look, among other items that allow you to incorporate the texture of iron into your life. If you use them together with the tea coasters, it will create a greater sense of unity on your table when hosting guests.

Points to consider when choosing gifts and commemorative items

When choosing as a gift, be sure to check if it comes in a decorative box. This set of two tea coasters comes in a box, so it can be given as-is for celebrations such as a 60th birthday, retirement, or Respect for the Aged Day. A set of two that can be used by couples or parents and children is also highly valued for its practicality, as they can be set out together when guests visit. It is also recommended to choose between the arare (hail) pattern and the mugi (wheat) pattern depending on whether the recipient's lifestyle is more Japanese or Western-style.

Summary

The skills of a caster that have continued for 400 years reside quietly even in a single tea coaster. From serving tea to guests to daily dining, these are tools that you can nurture little by little in your everyday life.

If you are interested, please check the product page here.Former Nambu Domain Official Caster Suzuki Morihisa Studio 13th Generation Morihisa Arare/Tengai Tea Coaster Set of 2

If you found this article helpful, please follow us. Next time, we plan to introduce textile dyeing or woodwork/lacquerware. Stay tuned.

This article contains affiliate links using the Amazon Associates Program. If you make a purchase through these links, the author will receive a certain commission, but this does not affect the selection or evaluation of the products in any way.