A nice cast iron kettle 釜 (kama) accompanied by a bronze lid with a chrysanthemum-shaped 菊 (kiku) knob. The kettle is cast with a textured surface. Around the bulbous body runs a raised rim with small projections. The vessel is fitted with two small ears holding kan 鐶 (twisted open spirals of heavy metal wire used for lifting). Complete with a signed and sealed tomobako 共箱 (storage box) from the Chiryû Workshop 地龍工房. Period: Japan – Shôwa period (1926–1989) Dimensions: Height 17.5 cm, Diameter 21 cm Weight 2.7 kg In very good condition, categorized as new old stock. Please refer to the photographs for a clear impression of the condition. The kama is traditionally placed on a brazier 風炉 (furo), forming a chagama 茶釜, the kettle used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Depending on the season, the kettle is heated either over a portable brazier during spring and summer or in a sunken hearth (ro) during colder months. The furo contains a bed of ash 灰 (hai) prepared to hold the sumi (charcoal). A cut-out fire window in the brazier provides the airflow needed for the charcoal to burn efficiently, while the kama rests above it to heat the water used in tea preparation.