*SHIPPING OPTIONS VARY DEPENDING ON THE DESTINATION, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE END OF THIS LISTING FOR MORE DETAILS.

This listing is for a Nambu tekki tea ceremony bell made by Shuzendo.   During tea ceremony, a bell can be used to signal the start of the ceremony or as a decorative item during the New Year. The bell in this listing is made of iron and the handle is moulded to resemble a snake.  This piece was made to commemorate the Year of the Snake in 2025, however if you were born in the snake year you may wish to use it every year.   It makes a pleasant sound when used, and comes with its original paper storage box.  It also comes with a Japanese language profile paper about how to care for Nambu products.

Shuzendo refers to a multi-generation metal casting foundry located in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture.  The 1^st generation master, Suzuki Chubei, studied metalworking techniques in Kyoto.  He was then employed as a foundry craftsman by the Morioka Nanbu clan.  Salary records dating back to the year 1616 indicate that this was the year when Shuzendo was founded.  The 1^st and 2^nd generations created a large bell for Morioka Castle in around 1655, the bell still exists and is preserved as a cultural asset designated by Hanamaki City.  The 5^th generation was primarily a sword maker, however he also created a large lantern which is now designated as a cultural asset of Osako Town in Iwate.  In 1828 the 7^th generation master participated in the production of two cannons.  He served as an official caster for the Tokugawa family in the construction of a Japanese-style blast furnace in Kamaishi, Iwate.  In 1910 the 10^th generation exhibited at the Columbia World Fair in the United States and received an award.  In 1955 the 11^th generation produced vases that were presented to the Imperial Household Agency, and he was commissioned to produce tea kettles for the head temple of Nichiren Shoshu, Taisekiji Temple.  In 1985 the 12^th generation received an award at the 5^th Traditional Crafts Exhibition, and he was selected to create a commemorative gift for the current emperor's wedding.  The ‘Chubei’ name has been passed down through 13 generations, with the current head of the workshop being Ito Ikuo, a certified Traditional Craftsperson of Nambu tekki.  These days Shuzendo produces a range of Nambu ironware such as tetsubin, teaware and household items.  **Fellow sellers, this information was researched by Kominka Zakka and CANNOT be used in your own listings.

Nambu tekki is traditional Japanese ironware with both traditional and modern designs, including brightly coloured contemporary products for the French market. Nambu tekki was produced in Morioka City and in Mizusawa City to the south. It first started when craftsmen came from Kyoto and started producing ironware such as tea kettles, weapons, and temple bells. Today tea pots and kettles are still made by hand using traditional techniques.

Sizes

Paper Box:  H.5.4cm (2.1”) x 12.2cm (4.8”) x 5.4cm (2.1”)

Bell:  H.11cm (4.3”) x Dia.4.5cm (1.7”)

Condition

It’s a brand new unused item.

THESE ARE SHIPPING ESTIMATES BASED ON THE CURRENT GLOBAL SITUATION                                                                 

**Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Poland, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia:  NO SHIPPING.  Very strict and expensive packaging laws in place and we are not licensed to send products to these countries.  We have no plan to register at this time because the process is in some cases very expensive and complicated, plus each country has its own set of regulations and application process. 

**USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Norway: Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-28 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Asia:  Airmail Small Packet (approx. 15-21 days).  Combined shipping available up to 2kgs for Airmail Small Packet (please send us a message).

**Central Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico:  EMS Express 10-15 days.

**Russia:  No shipping methods available.