Oigen Palma Cast Iron Spice Container by Jasper Morrison

A cast-iron spice stand shaped like a palm tree, designed by Jasper Morrison and cast by Oigen, Nanbu ironware makers since 1852.

The Palma spice container is the icon of the Palma series that Jasper Morrison designed with Oigen. Three round dishes sit at the foot of a slender cast-iron palm tree; slip your index and middle fingers under its “leaves” and the whole stand lifts to the table. Morrison was inspired by three little dishes of spices served at lunch in an Iwate restaurant. Oigen sand-casts the palm and the dishes as separate pieces and fits the square base of the trunk into the dishes so it stands firm. It is H 5.25 in × Ø 5 in and weighs 270 g, with a cashew-lacquer finish for Nanbu ironware. Fill it with salt, pepper and chili flakes, or small jars of jam.

Specifications

• Brand: Oigen (Oshu, Iwate, Japan; founded 1852)
• Model: Palma spice container
• Designer: Jasper Morrison
• Type: Table spice stand: three dishes on a palm-tree handle
• Dimensions: H 5.25 in × Ø 5 in
• Weight: 270 g (9.5 oz)
• Material: Cast iron (Nanbu ironware) with a cashew-lacquer finish
• Made in: Japan
• Item number (MPN): OF-JM006

Features

• Designed by Jasper Morrison for Oigen
• Three spice dishes on a palm-tree handle
• Lift it with two fingers under the leaves
• Sand-cast Nanbu cast iron, cashew-lacquer finish
• H 5.25 in × Ø 5 in; 270 g
• Made in Japan

Best for

Salt, pepper and chili flakes on the dining table; condiments for ramen or rice bowls; small jam jars at breakfast; a design gift for cooks and Morrison fans.

Who this is not for

• The dishwasher: cast iron is washed by hand and dried.
• Damp storage: keep it dry to prevent rust.
• Anyone wanting lidded spice storage: the dishes are open.

Why we carry it

We’ve been curating design-led pieces since 2009, and Japanese craft objects like this one earn their place by being used every day. Oigen has cast Nanbu ironware in Oshu, Iwate, since 1852. After the 2011 earthquake hit the foundry, it was chosen for the first Japan Creative project, which pairs Japanese manufacturers with international designers; the result was the Palma series with Jasper Morrison, launched at the Milan furniture fair in 2012. Jasper Morrison, the British product designer behind the “super normal” philosophy of quiet, useful design, drew the Palma series for Oigen.

Buy once: durability and care

Hand wash with hot water, using soap sparingly if needed; do not soak. Dry thoroughly, ideally on the stovetop. If rust forms, brush it away and wash as normal.

Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Oigen Palma spice container?

British designer Jasper Morrison, as part of the Palma series with Oigen, launched in Milan in 2012.

How big is the Oigen Palma spice container?

H 5.25 in × Ø 5 in, and it weighs 270 g.

How do I carry the Oigen Palma spice container?

Hook your index and middle fingers under the palm “leaves” at the top and lift.

What can I put in the Oigen Palma spice container?

Salt, pepper, chili flakes and other spices, or small jars of jam, according to the maker.

How do I clean the Oigen Palma spice container?

Hand wash with hot water and minimal soap, do not soak, dry thoroughly (ideally on the stove) and brush off any rust.

Is the Oigen Palma a good gift? (our advice)

Yes, a sculptural, useful piece by one of the world’s most respected product designers.

Trade pricing for design professionals

Interior designers, architects, stylists and hospitality buyers can apply to the MetropolitanDecor Trade Program for trade pricing on Oigen and the rest of our catalog, a dedicated trade support line, and help sourcing in quantity. Applying takes about three minutes, and our trade team reviews every application personally, usually within one business day.

Shipping & returns

Ships in 2–3 business days. Orders over $100 ship free by ground to the 48 contiguous states. All sales are final, so check the size and specifications above before ordering; if your order arrives damaged or isn’t what you ordered, contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos and we’ll make it right.

Please note: Because this item is made to order or specially sourced, it is final sale.