Colors and Symbolism on your Tetsubin, Japanese Teapot, or Cast Iron Teapot

While the intricate artwork on your tetsubin or cast iron teapot may be beautiful and detailed, beyond the aesthetic appeal there is rich symbolic meaning behind not only the figures but also the colors used. The list below is intended to help you discover the meaning engraved on your tetsubin. Keep in mind that meanings may not be absolute, due to the individual messages of each artist, but can largely be deduced based on the cornerstones of Japanese culture and traditions, which were heavily influenced by Buddhist philosophies. Hopefully this will serve as a very simplistic guide to enlightening you further on your journey to learning more about your tetsubin. To find out more information please visit us at http://www.castironteapotspot.com

Endless knot, or the Mandala- harmony

Lotus flower- enlightenment, life, immortality

Victory Banner- victorious battle

Wheel of Dharma or Chamaru- knowledge

Treasure Vase- inexhaustible treasure and wealth

Golden Fish pair- conjugal happiness and freedom

Parasol- crown and protection

Conch shell- the thoughts of the Buddha

Rock or a line of rocks- longevity and prosperity

Tortoise shape- longevity

Water- intellectual force,

Red bridge- route blessed to take to salvation

Split bridge- prevents evil spirits from crossing since evil spirits are believed to only move in straight lines.

Tiger- invincibility, power and might

Dragon- held the position of a god

Rooster- meant to exemplify a number of virtues: civil merit, military merit, courage, reliability.

Cat- good luck

Bhudda- good luck

Pine- eternity, tranquility, faithfulness & integrity

Rose- feminine, fragile, love, beauty, sentiment

Plum- good fortune

Peach blossoms- life, gentleness & mildness

Cherry- Loyalty & filial love

Azalea- family devotion

Peony- happiness, prosperity, love & affection

Wisteria (and other climbing vines)- affection

Iris- Strength, vitality, boldness, power & eloquence

Colors:

Red- passionate, attracts attention

Pink- romance

Yellow- lively, happy

Green- tranquil, pastoral, spring, fertility, poison, jealousy

Blue- powerful, calming

Purple- sophisticated, royalty

Brown- rich, fertile, sad

White- purity, virginity, innocence, peace

Black- night, death, evil, wealth