A guide to authentic Japanese cast iron wind bells (Nambu Tekki Furin)

Curious about what sets authentic Japanese cast iron wind bells – known as nambu tekki furin – apart from mass-produced imitations?

Authentic nambu tekki furin are made in foundries in northern Japan, using iron-working techniques that date back over 400 years. These Japanese cast iron wind bells are known for their clear, resonant tone and distinctive patina. Just as they were centuries ago, nambu tekki furin are handmade using techniques that have been passed down for generations.

In this guide, we explore the history of nambu tekki furin, how cast iron wind bells are made, and why authenticity matters when choosing a Japanese cast iron wind bell for your home or garden.
 

Furin: Japan’s beloved summer sound

The melodic ring of Japanese wind chimes – furin – is synonymous with summer in Japan. Long believed to ward off evil spirits and attract good luck, furin also evoke a sense of coolness and calm, bringing a sense of relief to people on hot and humid days. During summer festivals, you’ll find furin hanging from balconies and temple eaves.

There are various styles of furin. Edo furin, hand-blown glass wind bells, handpainted on the inside with a range of designs, are loved for their delightful depictions and delicate tinkling sound.

Ceramic wind bells are crafted in Imari, in the former Hizen Province, northwestern Kyūshū, an area known for its high-quality porcelain. These wind bells are hand-painted in traditional Imari style by skilled craftspeople, and have a light, pleasant tinkling sound. Finally, brass wind bells use traditional techniques dating back 400 years but combined with a more contemporary style, precisely refined by artisans at Nousaku.

A key feature of all Japanese furin is the tanzaku – a small paper sail attached to the clapper, which catches the breeze and in turn causes the clapper to swing and strike the bell. Tanzaku may be decorated with traditional patterns or seasonal motifs or carry written wishes or prayers.
 

Why buy authentic nambu tekki furin?

Among Japan’s many regional styles of furin, nambu tekki furin cast iron bells are renowned for their clarity of sound, detailed designs, and enduring craftsmanship.

The process of making nambu tekki furin begins with molten iron carefully poured into beautifully shaped moulds, imprinted with traditional patterns or pictures, such as crickets. Once the iron has cooled, the bell is gently refined, then fired over charcoal using the kinki-teki technique – a traditional finishing method that creates its signature patina and provides natural resistance to rust.

In the past few years, cheap, mass-produced Japanese wind bells have appeared on the market. But there are many reasons to invest in a genuine cast iron wind bell. Purchasing an authentic nambu tekki furin is about more than aesthetics – it’s about honouring centuries-old traditions and craftsmanship.

In the Iwate Prefecture, the artisans who craft nambu tekki furin have spent a lifetime honing their skills, working with techniques passed down from one generation to the next. From shaping the moulds to pouring the molten iron, every element of the process is done by hand. Subtle variations in texture, designs, and even tones means each nambu tekki furin has its own personality.

When I visited Iwate, I was lucky enough to visit some of the small foundries where nambu tekki furin are made. One of these foundries – a magical place, with an ancient cherry blossom tree in full flower – was owned by an 80-year-old craftsman, who had been making wind bells his entire life.

As in this foundry, many nambu tekki furin are still made by the older generation, with few to take over the tradition, making the future of nambu tekki furin uncertain. This means that owning an authentic nambu tekki furin is becoming a rarity – making them even more precious. At Wind Chimes Australia, we will keep selling genuine cast iron wind bells for as long as we can.
 

Why authenticity matters when choosing a Japanese wind bell

Mass-produced wind bells simply can’t replicate the craftsmanship or sound of a genuine, handmade nambu tekki furin.

While factory-made wind bells may mimic the look of authentic nambu tekki furin they rarely match the sound quality, durability, or spirit of the real thing. A genuine nambu tekki furin is made to last a lifetime.

When you choose an authentic Japanese cast iron wind bell, you’re helping preserve a centuries-old tradition and supporting the artisans who keep it alive.
 

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Artwork by Agnes Keresztes