The casting on both sides of this tetsubin is very strongly rendered, and the incredibly bold relief decoration exceeds one full inch (2.5 cm) in depth. The front side is decorated with a large thatched roof house in a rocky landscape, and the reverse side has a gate station near a curved bridge crossing over the water descending from a waterfall. Even the handle mounts are cast in the shapes that continue the landscape scene. (For a similar example of this style and decoration, see illustration No. 69 in TETSUBIN by P.L.W. Arts.)

Tetsubin are cast iron water kettles which were popular in Japan as everyday household utensils and for informal and semi-formal tea drinking. During the second half of the 19th century, tetsubin made especially as tea utensils came to be highly esteemed. Fine ornamental tetsubin were preferred by the upper classes for the sencha style tea ceremony. Tetsubin can be classified according to their level of quality, separating those of higher technical quality and more decorative external features – the so-called “ornamental” kettles – from those of lower technical quality and less decorated ones. High relief ornamental tetsubin like this one are magnificent examples of Japanese ironwork which are very much sought after by collectors today.

We specialize in high relief tetsubin, and we have sold a number of them over the years. However, we have never seen another one cast in quite this level of detail and high relief. It is an extraordinary piece with a marvelous sculptural quality.

CONDITION is excellent, with only normal rusting and wear consistent with age and usage. DIMENSIONS: 4 ¼” (10.9 cm) high to the top of the pot; 8 ½ “(20.6 cm) high to top of handle; 7” (17.8 cm) widest diameter. Weight: 5 pounds (2.3 kg)