aziro iron - Tea kettle - casting - tea utensils

Item Description
This is a traditional Japanese Furo Gama (wind furnace kettle) featuring an exquisite Ajiro-tetsu (basketweave pattern) surface texture. The kettle showcases the Shiribari form, characterized by its gracefully bulging lower body that provides excellent stability and visual balance - a classical shape highly prized in tea ceremony culture.
The surface displays a distinctive textured finish created through the Yakinuki casting technique, where the iron is carefully processed to achieve the fine, sand-like appearance reminiscent of woven bamboo basketry. This Ajiro pattern represents one of the most sophisticated decorative techniques in Japanese kettle making, requiring exceptional skill and precision during the casting process.
The kettle features elegant ring-shaped handles (Kan) on both sides, attached through traditional lugs, and is topped with a bronze lid crowned with a decorative lotus bud finial (Tsumami). The interior shows a beautifully smooth casting surface with natural patina developed through use.
This piece is likely from the Showa period and possibly originates from Yamagata Prefecture, a region renowned for its iron casting traditions. The kettle bears the authentic marks of age and use, with natural oxidation and wear patterns that speak to its history as a functional tea ceremony implement. Such pieces were integral to the Japanese tea ceremony, used to heat water over a portable brazier (Furo) during warmer months.
The combination of the refined Ajiro surface pattern, classical Shiribari form, and evidence of genuine historical use makes this an appealing piece for tea ceremony practitioners and collectors of traditional Japanese metalwork.

Size
Height: 17 cm
Width: 18 cm
Depth: 18 cm

Weight
2127 g / 2.127 kg

Condition
Shows signs of age-appropriate wear with surface oxidation and patina consistent with historical use. The handles display minor scratches and wear marks. Interior exhibits natural rust formation and discoloration, reflecting authentic usage in tea ceremonies.

Catawiki出品項目
Title of Artwork: Ajiro-Pattern Iron Tea Kettle - Traditional Shiribari Furo Gama
Type of object: Tea Ceremony Kettle (Furo Gama)
Material: Cast Iron (Tetsu), Bronze Lid
Period: Showa Period (likely mid-20th century)
Region/Country of Origin: Japan (possibly Yamagata Prefecture)
Condition: Good - showing age-appropriate patina and wear
Artist/Maker: Unsigned / Unknown maker

Shipping Information
Shipping method
The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by 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 Customs 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.