Chushin Kobo
ーHandcrafted Cast Iron Products
Part of YAMAGATA CRAFTS: a collaboration of three Yamagata-based brands dedicated to natural materials and promoting environmentally conscious lifestyles for a sustainable future.
1F / Room No.103
About the Exhibitor
Chushin Kobo is a creative casting studio founded in 1997 to produce and sell Hisanori Masuda’s creations. The studio uses traditional Yamagata casting techniques and reinterprets Japan’s aesthetic heritage of casting for contemporary living. Drawing inspiration from cultural practices such as the tea ceremony, flower arranging, and Kodo (the Japanese art of appreciating incense), Chushin Kobo proposes new traditions, connecting historic craft with modern lifestyles.
The history of Yamagata casting dates back approximately 950 years. During Minamoto no Yoriyoshi’s campaign, following orders to subdue the Oshu region, accompanying artisans discovered that the sand of the Mamigasakigawa riverbed and the soil near Chitose Park were ideal for casting. The artisans remained there, establishing the roots of Yamagata’s casting tradition.
In Japan, tools are valued for the way they develop character through daily use. Cast iron, too, matures over time, with careful use and maintenance fostering both longevity and sustainability.
In their production, Chushin Kobo utilises reusable natural sand for moulds and a circular system that combines new ingots and scrap iron—reflecting the studio's commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
About the Products
Chuchin Kobo will be presenting a collection of handcrafted cast iron products for modern living, including:
Imono Kettle: Combining iron and wood, the Imono Kettle features a laminated plywood handle for strength and functionality, and a turned wooden knob for ease of use. Available in white oak or walnut, each kettle is fired like a traditional iron pot and finished with a lacquered interior. The flat bottom works perfectly on induction and other heat sources. Water boiled in the Imono Kettle becomes almost chlorine-free with a smooth taste, and naturally absorbs iron, providing an added nutritional benefit. Available in two sizes: 1.4L or 1.8L.
Teapot: A modern interpretation of the traditional Japanese tea kettle, an essential tool in the tea ceremony. Crafted from cast iron with a rust-resistant enamel interior, the tea pot comes with a stainless steel strainer and is available in two sizes: 0.45L or 1.1L. Cast iron teapots retain heat exceptionally well, keeping your tea warm longer.
Awase Kobako / Genji Ko: A combined incense holder and box, allowing incense to be placed in the stand and then stored neatly under the lid. The sand-textured cast iron evokes traditional Japanese aesthetics and harmonises with a walnut wood lid, which can also be slid off and used as a standalone incense stand. Available in two sizes.
Trivets: Functional and decorative, these cast iron trivets hold kettles and pots or can be displayed on tabletops or walls as interior accessories. Available in a variety of designs and sizes to suit different lifestyles.
