Kunzan is a 3rd generation Japanese iron casting foundry specializing in traditional iron cast tea kettles called tetsubin. The founder of Kunzan, Asada Kaoru learnt his craft at Morioka’s most famous iron foundry, Suzuki Morihisa before setting up his own workshop in 1937. The present generation is Sasaki Kazuo, one of only 13 iron casting nationally recognized masters working in the Morioka area, the traditional centre of Nambu iron casting. Every piece not only bears his seals but also has a unique number given to the work by the Japanese government who certify the quality of Sasaki’s work. The light weight and beauty of a traditional cast iron tea kettle is only possible using the ancient methods. Unlike the modern Japanese foundries which cast thousand of tea pots and kettles from the same mould, Sasaki only casts a few before hand making a new mould each with its unique design. The difference between the modern mass produced tetsubin and a traditionally cast tetsubin is not only visible to the eye but the difference is also noticeable in the flavour of the tea made with water from the two types of kettles. Research has shown that only traditionally made kettles reduce the chlorine and other chemicals in water thereby improving the flavour of the tea.