Japanese Cast Iron Square Tetsubin Paulownia Leaf Form (item #966238)

Japanese and Chinese antiques and art from B & C

Japanese Cast Iron Square Tetsubin Paulownia Leaf Form

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All Items: Antiques:Regional Art:Asian:Japanese:Tea Articles: Pre 1920: item # 966238

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B & C Antiques
P. O. Box 291
Derby, CT 06418
203-929-7312

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$850

Japanese Cast Iron Square Tetsubin Paulownia Leaf Form

This uniquely-designed Japanese iron tea kettle (tetsubin) with its silver inlaid handle has been cast in square form with a paulownia (kiri) leaf and flower forming each of the four sides. Early 20th century; unsigned. It was likely made in Nambu, part of northern Honshu, an area famous for the purity of its iron ore. A foundry was established there in the 18th century to make high quality iron teapots for the tea ceremony. The unsigned patinated cast bronze lid is topped with a round pierced “tachibana” (mandarin orange) flower bud finial. The bronze handle is inlaid with silver in a symbolic design of chidori (plovers) and waves.

Gold and silver inlays are a feature found only on tetsubin of superior quality, and fine ornamental tetsubin of this type were preferred by the upper classes for the sencha style tea ceremony. The paulownia leaf and flower, which is one of the most popular of all Japanese family crests (mon), bears a heavy load of legendary and historic significance. As an explicitly imperial mon, the paulownia ranks only slightly behind the chrysanthemum, and both are usually taken as the dual emblems of the Japanese throne. The stylized depiction of the leaves and blossom of the paulownia that adorn this vessel closely resembles the manner in which this tree is portrayed as a design motif and family crest rather than a realistic portrayal of the leaves and flower.

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” and “standard” kettles – from those of lower technical quality and less decorated ones – the so-called “rural” and “kitchen” kettles. Ornamental tetsubin like this one are wonderful examples of Japanese ironwork which are very much sought after by collectors today. A similar tetsubin was featured in the “Elegance in Iron” exhibit at the Morikami Museum and is illustrated in Figure 12 of the accompanying catalog.

CONDITION is excellent; there is normal interior rusting consistent with age and usage. DIMENSIONS: 4” (10.2 cm) high to top of pot, 8” (20.3 cm) high to top of handle, 5” (12.8 cm) square. Price: