The cast iron teapots of today have become more popular than ever, especially for brewing tea leaves.  This is largely due to the material they are forged from, cast iron.  In fact the shape of the teapot also plays a part in their popularity.  Because of the iron compounds found in meteorites, cast iron has become easier to make through the use of a blast furnace to create pig iron. Cast iron is manufactured by taking iron compounds, which only can be found in its pure form in meteorites, and melting it in a blast furnace which produces pig iron.

After production, pig iron is melded with other metals which create cast iron, which is used in things like bridges and gates.  Frying pans and also cast iron teapots are popular in its use as well..

Once cast iron is finished it is poured into the mold of the teapot, at which point it has to cool under controlled conditions.  Then, proper solidification of the pot is made possible, since it has to be separated from lower quality pots. This promotes the proper solidification which is necessary in order to separate the high grade cast iron teapots from the lower quality tea pots.

You can tell if cast iron has been cooled correctly by the grain of the surface. If there are minute, bubble-like specks visible on the outside of the tea pot, then you know it was not evenly cooled. Craftsmen who create these beautiful cast iron teapots have been trained by other experts for years; this is not an art you can learn in several weeks or even months.

Cast iron teapots are also popular because of the stainless steel basket sitting inside the pot which holds the tea leaves together while submerged in the boiling water. When the tea is ready, you just lift out the basket and pour the tea, with no mess to clean up.

The artistry involved in decorating a cast iron teapot also makes this utensil highly in demand. Experienced craftsmen carefully sand the edges of the tea pot with a special appliance meant for just this process. Then a shield of thin enamel is applied to the inner surface of the tea pot, which will last as long as the tea pot itself lasts. When this enamel is dry and solidly in place, a coat of paint is applied to the external surface of the tea pot which can be any color.

Ultimately there is a lot of fun to owning these pots, such as the number of things they can be used for.  It is quite functional, but it can also be used to spice up the appearance of your kitchen or any other rooms, bringing a rustic and unique look to the area.  Teapots of cast iron are also wonderful gifts for weddings or any kind of house-related gift.  Cast iron pots are often made in Japan and they all have certain elements of beauty. Not only is it a functional kitchen utensil, a teapot can contribute to your home as a piece of arresting décor outside of the kitchen, complementing any room with a rustic or antique ambience. It would also make an outstanding gift, especially as a house-warming or wedding offering. Most cast iron teapots that are actually made in Japan will each have its own brand of individual elegance and symbolic decorations painted on the pot.

The Japanese say that plum blossoms symbolize strength and determination – and beauty as well.  Coins are a symbol of prosperity and fortune.  In addition, the various colors of a teapot are a symbol in themselves of specific aspects of life, like imperial red, bamboo green, and blue through spiritual immortality. Colors are also symbolic of concepts such as happiness and vitality, as indicated by the color of imperial red; bamboo green denotes peace and synchronization; and blue is the color of spiritual immortality.