The "Tetsubin" Teapot or Cast Iron teapots were first created in ancient China. They were later adopted and refined by the Japanese into Tetsubin. Graceful, elegant vessels for brewing and serving tea. Made of specially purified cast iron, they are symbolic of strength and unity. A coating of black enamel is applied to the inner surfaces to help prevent the development of rust. A removable stainless steel infusing basket is supplied for ease of preparation,. As with all "tetsubin" (cast iron teapots) this will brew a marvelous pot of tea and keep it hot for quite some time.