Nanbu Tekki was first made in the middle of 17c in northern Japan because of the areaｹs rich materials. A master from Kyoto came up north and made an iron pot for tea ceremony. That was the beginning. This is still popular and is exemplary of Japanese traditional craft. This iron container, originally designed about 50 years ago as an ashtray, is handmade by the same technique used to make Japanese iron teapots. The black color is the result of a Japanese laquer glaze called urushi which prevents rust. It may also be used as an incense stand, a container for small articles, a flower vase (a small water container inside required), etc.