The nambu region is considered the origin of all Japanese cast iron art forms. Located in the northeastern part of Japanfs main island, Honshu, the Nambu region is modern day Iwate prefecture. With artifacts found as far back as the Heian era (roughly 1100 a.d.) the nambu iron works is recorded as being organized by the appointed regional minister. It is recorded that Minister Fujiwara chose the Nambu region of Japan for its abundance of high quality iron ore. Gathering artists and craftsman from different regions the Nambu Tekki (Nambu Cast Iron works) tradition began.
Originally organized to make everyday cast iron items, such as pots, pans, skillets, and teapots, the cast iron craftsman eventually made everything from samurai swords and samurai armor to sacred Buddhist temple bells and cast iron statues. Cast iron artifacts dating back to this era still are being recovered from burial sites.
Since its founding during the Heian era, Nambu Cast Iron works has seen its popularity rise and fall with the times. During the 1500fs the founding father of the modern day tea ceremony, Senno Rikkyu led to the popularity of tea related items and ultimately to the rise in demand for Nambu Cast Iron teapots, Nambu Cast Iron Kettles, and Namby Cast Iron Water Boilers used in tea ceremonies. During the Edo era (1600fs a.d.) an overwhelming number of Buddhist temple items were commissioned. From Nambu Cast Iron temple bells, to Nambu Cast Iron Buddhist statues, most were crafted within the Nambu Tekki, Nambu Iron Works region. Along with artwork, weapons, such as cannos were forged in the Nambu Tekki region during this era as well.
However, during the Meiji and Taisei era to the end of Word War II, the Nambu Tekki (Nambu Iron Works) region was transformed into the main production area for modern weapons. Rifle parts, bullets, to battleship parts were made in this region. To keep up with demand, many Nambu Tekki Buddhist statues and temple bells were melted down and transformed into war related items. During this time period, the Nambu Tekki region saw a significant decline in Nambu Tekki artwork. Our of the 150 master craftsman in the region only 16 were allowed to craft non-military work. The 16 artists kept the 900 year old traditions and techniques alive until the conclusion of World War II. After World War II, Japan saw a rebound in the Nambu Tekki region with projects mainly focused on reviving the Nambu Tekki (Nambu Iron Works) traditions and techniques. Today the region remains famous for its artwork and cast iron crafts with the region being declared a national cultural site in 1975.