Jan 2nd, '09, 08:53
Posts: 132
Joined: Sep 15th, '08, 21:01
Location: Millerton, NY
Contact:
toastedtoads
They don't seem too unreasonable. I've been looking at some of the ones I could get from work, and they're almost double the price of the low-end ones from Hojo.
Currently, my electric kettle will suffice. If I go out and spend $ on a Hojo tetsubin, then I'm going to have to buy an induction burner to sit next to me. And that's just too much money right now.
How do you (that have tetsubins) heat them at home?
Currently, my electric kettle will suffice. If I go out and spend $ on a Hojo tetsubin, then I'm going to have to buy an induction burner to sit next to me. And that's just too much money right now.
How do you (that have tetsubins) heat them at home?
Jan 2nd, '09, 10:57
Posts: 1953
Joined: Apr 6th, '08, 19:02
Location: British Columbia, Canada
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chamekke
Most older tetsubin have rust (although, pace Hojo's tetsubin page, I've seen very few with scale). As long as the rust doesn't go through all the way and become a hole, you're OK, right?shogun89 wrote:I ended up getting the tetsubin from my grandmother for Christmas! It is very nice, but the inside has lots of rust, going to spend the day cleaning it up. Will get pics up ASAP.
I look forward to seeing photos of it. I love older tetsubin - they have tremendous character!
______________________
"Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, doesn't try it on."
- Billy Connolly
"Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, doesn't try it on."
- Billy Connolly
Jan 2nd, '09, 12:00
Posts: 1633
Joined: Feb 15th, '08, 10:15
Location: Pennsylvania
It seems well made, hollow handle which I read is desirable. I estimate it is at least 30 -40 years old. I was able to get of most of the rust, and its cleaned up well. Going to hit the gym for now but when I get back I throw some pics up.TomVerlain wrote:nice -- look forward to seeing the pictures. Does it look old ? Well made ?shogun89 wrote:I ended up getting the tetsubin from my grandmother for Christmas! It is very nice, but the inside has lots of rust, going to spend the day cleaning it up. Will get pics up ASAP.
Jan 2nd, '09, 20:36
Posts: 1953
Joined: Apr 6th, '08, 19:02
Location: British Columbia, Canada
Contact:
chamekke
You don't mention the dimensions, but by its appearance, it looks exactly like an old tetsubin that I own! (and which I found at a local consignment shop) Here's what mine looks like:shogun89 wrote:Alright here are the photos, Can anyone tell me anything about it?
I think this type of tetsubin may be older than the 1950's, in part because the lid on your tetsubin doesn't appear to contain a vent hole (mine doesn't either). I've heard that the vent hole began appearing regularly in tetsubin-s made after W.W. II.
You may be interested to take a peek at this listing on Trocadero:
Antique Japanese Meiji Cast Iron Tetsubin Tea Pot
According to this seller, this tetsubin dates from the Meiji era... and doesn't it look a lot like your tetsubin (and mine)! I'm not sure if it really is that old, but the seller could well be right.
On the other hand, the sticker on the bottom of your tetsubin looks newer than that, doesn't it? If you can post a close-up of that sticker, I for one would be very grateful because I'm trying to work out the provenance of this tetsubin style myself
Anyway, on a final note, this is the tetsubin I often use as a substitute kama (kettle) for practicing Japanese tea ceremony at home, since its mouth is wide enough to accommodate the smaller hishaku (ladle) used in the warmer months. Very handy!
Last edited by chamekke on Jan 2nd, '09, 20:40, edited 1 time in total.