Everybody is always searching for that one birthday, Christmas, or other holiday-type of gift which would be totally unique and memorable, something the giftee has never received or even thought about buying for personal use. One such item might be a Japanese cast iron tea pot, a beautiful and long-lasting piece of functional art that would contribute to the home as well as brew some very tasty tea. The cast iron tea pot is also a great conversation piece, since its invention goes back to ancient China where cast iron was first invented and used to create weaponry and religious effigies. In addition, this type of tea pot would also make a wonderful wedding present and potential heirloom the bride could pass on to her daughter.
The Japanese tetsubin is perhaps the most well-known cast iron tea pot being sold online today and in select stores around the country. Because this tea pot exhibits such a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing designs and hues, there are many enthusiastic collectors who have an extensive collection of both antique and modern testsubins. You can either purchase one cast iron tea pot at a time or buy them in sets of three, four, or five. Newer, individual pieces can cost around $25, while an entire set may be valued at over one hundred dollars.
Cast iron was later implemented in the construction of steam engines during the 19th century industrial revolution occurring in England, which contributed immensely to the transportation of goods and the rise of capitalism. This was also when the cast iron teapot became considered a sign of wealth and status among the upper crust. Privileged women who owned such a teapot began to pass these down as heirlooms to their daughters when they got married, who in turn saved them and passed them onto their daughters as well.
You can find these antique cast iron teapots for sale today online or in antique stores with prices varying from $100 up to $600, depending on the age and condition of the teapot.
To protect a cast iron teapot from damage, there are several precautions you should take when cleaning and storing it. Always wait until the pot in no longer warm to the touch before wiping and rinsing the pot. Do not use dish soap on the cast iron as this could deteriorate the alloy and cause tea or water boiled in it to taste bitter. If you are going to place the teapot on any kind of surface, remember to put a trivet underneath of it in order to prevent scorch marks. Sometimes, but not often, a cast iron teapot will develop a very slight rust residue. This will not harm you, however, if you ingest some of it. In any case, using a finely-bristled brush will easily remove the rust. In addition, there is a chemical in tea leaves called tannic acid which blends with rust and creates a thin protective film over the cast iron which will virtually eliminate any subsequent appearances of rust. There are actually tea aficionados who say they like the way tea tastes when served from a lightly rusted pot. Today, however, you can purchase modern cast iron teapots which are created with an enamel interior to prevent any possible build-up of rust.
Author Resource:
Leighonas Duforrific is a loving parent of two kids and loves authoring situations parents are generally faced with. Look at his Glenna Jean Isabella Set and also lovely Glenna Jean Spa Bedding Sets.
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