近年很多朋友都愛找一些小鐵瓶，喜歡它們小巧實用，使用便利，相較大鐵瓶，能輕鬆提握倒水。
這把小壺為新品，只有600 cc，並不多見 （一般小壺約1000 cc)，一人份剛好。它的小巧註定比其他更精緻輕巧，不同凡響。
作者「小雪」 ，屬山形「荒井工房」。「小雪」是荒井幹雄的女兒，是很少有的女性釜師。她親口告訴我，整個造壺過程，由起樣成型，到鑄鐵掃漆，都是她親自處理的。
此壺特別之處是「蜡型鑄造」，捧在手上近距離觀察，真是看出與砂鑄不同的。另外，它的鐵蓋，與壺身肌理紋飾一致。
這個小壺甚有文人氣息，儒雅持重，與一些剛健粗獷的作品不同。
Recently, many tea lovers have been searching for mini iron kettles, drawn to their compact size, practicality, and ease of use. Compared to their larger counterparts, they are much lighter and easier to lift, hold, and pour.
This particular mini kettle is a brand-new piece with a capacity of only 600 cc — a rare find, considering standard small kettles usually hold around 1000 cc. It is the perfect size for a solo tea session. Its petite form inherently makes it more exquisite, lightweight, and truly extraordinary.
The artisan behind this piece is "Koyuki" (Little Snow) from the renowned Arai Kobo workshop in Yamagata. Koyuki is the daughter of Mikio Arai and is one of the very few female kamashi (kettle smiths) in the craft. She personally shared with me that she handles the entire kettle-making process herself — from the initial design and molding to the iron casting and lacquer finishing.
What makes this kettle truly special is the "lost-wax casting" (rōgata) technique. Holding it in your hands and examining it up close, the difference between this and standard sand casting is immediately apparent. Furthermore, its iron lid perfectly matches the texture and motifs of the kettle's body.
Exuding a distinct literary charm, this mini kettle feels elegant, poised, and grounded — a beautiful contrast to more rugged, robust pieces.
