A Brief History of the World of Tea Kettles

I have been exploring the history of tea kettles. As you may have read on my site, I use the microwave to boil water, so this exploration was an eye-opener for me. Me not use a microwave...I have to think about that one for awhile.

Kettles most likely have their origin steeped in a variety of cultures and traditions.

They were crafted to withstand the heat of an open fire and designed simply to boil water for a great many purposes.

This led to a sturdy design using a strong metal such as cast iron or bronze or other metals that could be bent to the shape wanted.

Chinese Culture and Traditions

• The brewing of tea can be dated back to the reign of the Song Dynasty between 960 and 1279 A.D., when open pots were used to boil water and steep the leaves.
• The few designs of these kettles that existed were most likely transported by ship to Europe during the seventeenth century as demand for exotic spices grew.

Japanese Culture and Traditions

• The kettle can be dated back to the Kamakura Period between 1185 A.D. and 1333 A.D. when they displayed the “true shape” and were used for Japanese tea ceremonies.

  During this time period, they were used to boil water for the purpose of cooking, bathing and more.

• During the Muromachi Period between 1333 A.D. and 1573 A.D., the drinking of tea evolved from one of medicinal purposes to one of pleasure.

  Particularly during the sixteenth century, the Japanese began to perform tea ceremonies in greater frequency along with the inclusion of this activity as a social game referred to as “Tocha”.

  This new trend led to a demand for something specifically created for the purpose of boiling water for this popular beverage.

• During the Edo Period between 1600 and 1868 A.D., the kettle evolved and began to include variations in design although the traditional style remained the most popular one. The pots were generally round with a rim encircling the lower portion of the pot.

Here Are Kettles You May Like:

OXO Good Grips Uplift Kettle - Stainless Steel Simply lift the tea kettle by its handle and the spout opens automatically! This kettle has a whistle to let you know when your water is ready and has a 2 quart capacity. . OXO 1.8-qt. Pick Me Up Pick Me Up Kettle, Red Pour yourself a steaming hot cup of tea from OXO's Red Pick Me Up Tea Kettle. The kettle's compact and sophisticated design makes it the perfect compliment for any kitchen.

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