Item Description: 奥平了保 Okudaira Ryoho — Tetsuchi Ubaguchi Hakeme Kama (Iron Brushstroke Tea Ceremony Kettle with Demon-Face Ring Holders) A distinguished antique Japanese iron tea ceremony kettle (chagama) in the ubaguchi (toothless-mouth) form, attributed to Okudaira Ryoho, one of the most celebrated Kyoto kettle makers (kamashi) of the late Edo period. The work is accompanied by a period bronze lid (karakane futa) and a wooden storage box bearing an authentication inscription by the renowned appraiser Yamaguchi Jōyū (山口浄雄), dated Taishō Kinoe-Ne (1924). The kettle's iron body displays Ryoho's signature hakeme (brushstroke) surface treatment — a refined technique in which fluid, sweeping strokes are rendered in textured relief across the iron skin, lending the form an expressive vitality rare even among the finest Edo-period tea wares. Demon-face (onimen) ring holders are mounted at the shoulders, adding a powerful sculptural accent characteristic of the highest-quality traditional casting work. The deep, aged iron patina speaks eloquently of the passage of time and generations of careful use. The box lid interior bears a detailed inscription by Yamaguchi Jōyū recording the piece's attribution to Okudaira Ryoho, its dimensions, and his assessment — a document of considerable historical significance. An antique textile wrapping cloth (furoshiki) is included. This is an exceptional piece for the serious collector of Japanese tea ceremony objects (chadōgu) or antique iron art. Size Height: 16 cm Width: 24.8 cm Depth: 23.5 cm Condition The kettle shows wear, patina, rust, and surface abrasions consistent with its considerable age; a crack is present at the rim, and the interior shows red rust with some iron flaking at the base — all characteristic of antique iron tea kettles and appreciated as part of the piece's historical character. Artist Profile 奥平了保 Okudaira Ryoho was a celebrated Kyoto iron kettle maker (kamashi) of the late Edo period, renowned as one of the foremost masters of his generation. Born into the distinguished Onishi family of kettle makers — known for their centuries-long service to the Sen family schools of tea — Ryoho was the son of the ninth-generation Onishi Joigen and younger brother of the tenth-generation Onishi Josetsu. He took the name and headship of the Okudaira family through his maternal lineage and was known by the personal name Sadayuki and the common name Sahei. Ryoho was particularly celebrated for his mastery of the hakeme (brushstroke) surface technique, producing works of exceptional power and refinement that remain highly prized among collectors of classical Japanese tea ceremony implements. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.