Metropolitan Tea Company Ltd

The delicate beauty of Cast Iron teapots

Made to the exacting specifications of a Japanese Tea master
Metropolitan Tea is pleased to offer a complete range of affordable Tetsubin style teapots. These beautiful cast iron works of art are hand cast by Chinese artisans according to strict Japanese standards. Our complete line of cast iron pots features an 18/8 grade stainless steel infuser built right in for perfect brewing every time.

The perfect cup of tea
In Japan, many believe that a pot of tea isn’t perfect unless it’s been brewed in cast iron. These pots rose to prominence during the 17th century as Sencha teas first began to appear. (Before that time most tea drunk in Japan was Matcha – powdered tea). Interestingly, Tetsubin teapots were first used by free thinking Japanese artists and writers who sought to rebel against the ultra-formal rules of Chado, the Japanese tea ceremony.

Each teapot includes a matching trivet
In 1557, long before the appearance of Tetsubin, revered tea master Akito Akaike of Izu Prefecture wrote that in order to properly brew tea, the teapot must be elevated from the table. As the Japanese tea ceremony evolved, elevating the pot served to symbolically lift the spirit of tea drinking. Naturally as Tetsubin developed, matching trivets came as part of the package.

Making tea in a Cast Iron teapot
Note: Cast Iron teapots are generally used for brewing green teas. As such, water that has been heated to just below the boiling point should be used.

While waiting for your water to boil, warm your pot by filling it with some warm water. This will help it retain heat longer when you infuse your tea. This will also help the interior glaze from cracking when hotter water is poured in.
Infuse your tea and let steep 3 – 5 minutes to taste. Infuser basket may be removed to prevent further brewing of your tea.

Caring for a cast iron teapot

Take care not to let brewed tea sit in your teapot for an extended period of time.
Clean out your pot by rinsing with water and drying with a light dry cloth. Soap or abrasive pads should not be used. These will damage the unique finish of the cast iron.
Do not expose your cast iron pot to salt or cooking oils. These can corrode the cast iron.

CAUTION

The body of a cast iron teapot may be hot. Avoid touching it when in use.

Do not place your cast iron teapot directly on a heat source such as a stove burner.

Offer your customers the exquisite beauty of Japanese design. Request a catalogue by calling or email sales@metrotea.com