GOUVERNEUR

Description

MARIAGE FRÈRES has been perpetuating the art of tea for several generations through the creation and reissue of teapots, tea sets, and various tea accessories. The House’s ancestral tradition and its pursuit of perfection are reflected in the elegant simplicity of these cast-iron objects.

The origin of Japanese cast-iron teapots dates back to the Fujiwara era (1090–1187), when the arts of northern Japan shone throughout the entire country. The most extraordinary of these cast-iron objects, inlaid with gold, silver, and copper, were offered to lords and shoguns for the tea ceremony.

In this way, foundry craftsmen’s guilds promoted their art while ensuring the protection of their lords. In Japan, during the second half of the 19th century, the popularity of infused tea increased, and these exceptional teapots became more and more sought after.

Before using your cast-iron teapot for the first time, it is recommended to follow the instructions below:

1. Fill with boiling water.
2. Discard the water and repeat this procedure 3 or 4 times.
3. While the teapot is still very hot, wipe it gently without rubbing with a soft cloth and let it dry completely in the open air.

To brew your tea:

• Pour boiling water into your teapot and discard the water.
• Place the required amount of tea into the filter provided for this purpose.
• Pour hot water over the tea until it is fully covered and replace the lid to retain the heat.
• Once the infusion time has been reached, remove the filter and serve.
• Cast iron preserves the aromas without altering them.

To care for your teapot:

• Routine care: clean with a soft sponge and soapy water, rinse, then dry.
• Occasional care to remove tannin deposits inside: leave to act a mixture of very hot water with added white vinegar or lemon juice or baking soda or citric acid. Empty the teapot, rinse with clear water, then dry. Repeat as many times as necessary.

Please take care to:

- Never place your teapot directly on a source of heat.
- Not use detergent; simply rinse the inside with hot water and immediately dry the inside and outside.
- No not leave water in your teapot and dry it thoroughly before storing it.

It is possible and normal for small spots of rust to appear. This in no way affects the quality of your teapot and is, on the contrary, a sign of tradition. To remove these marks:

1. Polish the cast iron with a cloth soaked in neutral oil.
2. Rub with a stiff brush until the marks disappear.
3. Remove any excess oil with a clean cloth.

These precautions are the same for any other cast-iron object.