Oigen Palma Spice Container

In the final stage of production, Oigen fires its ironware at high temperatures to decarbonize the surface and prepare it for treatment against corrosion. The foundry takes extra care at this point, seasoning each piece with oil that has been mixed with nontoxic bamboo ash to yield a lustrous finish. These distinguishing features of its manufacture not only make the ironware rust-resistant, but also allow oils to permeate well into the cookware’s surface.

The Oigen foundry is located in Japan and has been producing Nambu ironware for 900 years. By casting in a fine grain sand the ironware has a renowned smooth and unblemished surface.

If cared for properly Oigen ironware can last over 100 years and is made from 75% recycled material.

The Palma collection is a collaboration between Japan Creative – a nonprofit organization and world famous designer Jasper Morrison who was invited to work with the Oigen foundry in Iwate, just north of the area affected by the 2011 tsunami.