Joyce Chen 16-Ounce Japanese Tetsubin Cast-Iron Year of the Dragon Teapot, Black

This 16 oz Year of the Dragon Japanese Tetsubin (Cast Iron Teapot) is part of the Chinese Zodiac Series which is an exclusive Joyce Chen collection. Japanese artists create a new commemorative Tetsubin to celebrate and greet each Chinese New Year. The Chinese believe the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on personality, saying, "This is the animal that hides in your heart." These Japanese cast iron Tetsubin with their exquisite relief designs are admired and collected not only for their quiet delicacy but also for their ability to brew a perfect cup of tea. Each hand cast, cast iron teapot comes with a stainless steel mesh infuser and is finished with porcelain enamel on the interior. Safe for the stove top but beautiful enough to use as a decor piece this Black Year of the Dragon Tetsubin features a stylized dragon in relief. The cast iron keeps brewed tea extremely hot yet the interior porcelain enamel keeps the metal from interacting with the tea or imparting a metallic taste. Whether beginning or ending the day you'll find it easy to make your favorite beverage in one of these lovely and useful teapots.Joyce Chen's slogan "Eastern Cookware for the Western Kitchen," reflects her focus on providing high-quality, versatile tools and products that have Asian flair, but can be used in a western kitchen. Joyce Chen opened her first restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1958. The restaurant flourished, and in 1973 a larger Cambridge restaurant was opened. Chen also began writing Chinese cookbooks and in the 1970s began hosting a cooking show on public television. She found that the selection and quality of Chinese cookware in America didn't live up to her high standards¿ so she developed her own. Today, Joyce Chen

With its traditional styling and excellent brewing qualities, this Tetsubin Year of the Dragon teapot from Joyce Chen is an elegant teatime accessory for those born in the dragon years of the Chinese zodiac. Fashioned with a low, seamless profile, the teapot features an intricate bas-relief dragon image that twines across the piece's body and lid. A high handle, an arced spout, and deep black coloring complete the rich design. Safe on the stovetop, the teapot also adds decorative beauty and cultural significance to the table.

Crafted from cast iron, the Year of the Dragon teapot offers superior heat retention to maximize flavor during brewing and keep tea piping hot. To prevent the metal from reacting with the tea, the interior is coated with porcelain enamel and the infuser is stainless steel. Ideal for one or two tea drinkers, the Year of the Dragon Tetsubin holds 16 ounces and should be washed by hand. --Emily Bedard