Nanbu Tekki is a traditional craft that symbolizes Iwate Prefecture. Its origins trace back to the period when the feudal lord of Morioka, who was well-versed in the tea ceremony, invited kettle makers (kamashi) and metal casters (imonoshi) from across Japan to produce tea utensils, particularly iron kettles for the tea ceremony (chanoyugama).
The Suzuki family was appointed as official metalworkers for the Nanbu clan in 1625, during the second year of the Kanei era. Suzuki Echizen-no-Kami Nui-no-suke Ietsuna was summoned from the Nanbu clan's homeland of Koshu to serve in this capacity. The family traditionally engaged in the casting of Buddhist altar fittings and temple bells, working in service of the clan for generations. Later, they expanded their craftsmanship to produce tea kettles and ironware, continuing to create numerous renowned works.