The quality of the relief casting is superb. It is bold and strongly rendered, exceeding a quarter inch (5 mm) in depth in some places. The body of the kettle surrounding the smooth recessed panels is roughly textured, and the top edge is cast with random hollows and depressions. This edge reflects “intentional damage” cast specifically to add the appearance of great age and antiquity to the tetsubin.

A unique and most attractive feature is the high relief cast iron lid which is also profusely decorated with the same flowering blossoms and leaves. A gnarled branch is raised and curved to form the lid’s finial. The high arched iron handle has spots of silver inlay, including designs which look like dew drops and a pine needle. (A nearly identical example is illustrated in Figure No. 65 in TETSUBIN by P.L.W. Arts.)

Fine ornamental tetsubin of this type were preferred by the upper classes for the sencha style tea ceremony. A common characteristic of sencha kettles was that one side more heavily decorated than the other. In the sencha tea ceremony a tetsubin, held by the host in his right hand, is looked at by the guest with the spout pointing to the right. This is the side of the tetsubin which is usually more ornately decorated in order to enable the guest to admire the kettle’s “best” side. High relief ornamental tetsubin like this one are magnificent examples of Japanese ironwork which are very much sought after by collectors today.

CONDITION is excellent. DIMENSIONS: 5” (12.7 cm) high to top of pot; 10 ¼” (26 cm) high to top of handle; approximately 6” (15.2 cm) diameter. Weight: 5 pounds (2.3 kg).