Antique ashtray in the shape of a horseshoe with a picture of a horse. Metal. Japan, 20th century

Nambu Tekki metal products have a four-hundred-year history of existence (high-quality cast iron teapots are more common). The art originated in the city of Morioka in Iwate Prefecture. Deposits of high-quality materials such as iron sand, sand and charcoal contributed to the creation of quality products under the patronage of the powerful date samurai clan, the Sendai clan of Morioka city, Edo period (1603-1868).