Steeped In Tradition:Koi Prosperity Cast Iron Teapot
The process of brewing tea has the ability to calm the senses while simultaneously inspiring creativity. And even though the elaborate teacups receive most of the attention (as tea enthusiasts sip from the delicate cups), the unsung hero, the tea pot, deserves it praise. The small yet sturdy vessel is the central piece within the peaceful brewing process.
One of my most prized tea possessions in my Koi Prosperity Cast Iron Teapot. A staple in Japanese tea ceremonies, the tetsubin cast iron teapots “distributes the heat evenly inside the pot to better extract the flavors and benefits of the tea” thanks to the solid cast iron with enameled interior. These solid vessels can keep your tea warm for about an hour, which is perfect for the afternoon tea visits with friends!
This particular pot (Koi Propserity Teapot) is elaborately decorated with two Japanese Koi fish who appear to be gliding through the water seeping up from the pot. Warm to the touch after brewing, one can run their fingers over the Koi fish and feel the scales as if the fish are in fact real and emerging from the water. Beyond the visual beauty, “the homonym of Koi means ‘love and affection’ making Koi the symbol of love and close friendship in Japan. Koi are also associated with bringing prosperity.”
It’s common to see cast iron tea pots artfully decorated with symbols. So if you’re curious to know what meaning your cast iron teapot carries, take a peek at the list below and decode your pot.
Japanese Cast Iron Teapot (Tetsubin) Symbols
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: Spiritual 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
Type your comment here.I have purchase a beautiful
cast iron teapot from you all. However, I wonder if the water I brew the tea in is too hot ?
Once the tea has been brewed and poured into the matching cups , the cups are almost too hot to hold even with the coasters.
I boil the water in the tea kettle and pour directly into the cast iron pot. Perhaps the tea brewing process is too hot?
Thanls