Ryubundo (龍文堂 ) - Ryubundo (龍文堂) - Tea kettle - Cast Iron - Arare Pattern Hobnail
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Antique Japanese cast iron tetsubin by Ryubundo from Kyoto, with an arare hobnail pattern, Meiji period, interior Ryubundo signature and Kinshudo cartouche, brass lid with a bronze plum blossom knob, maru-gata form, height 15 cm, width 14 cm, lid diameter 9 cm, weight 900 g, in good condition and in working order with a rich black patina.
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Description from the seller
Antique Japanese Cast Iron Tetsubin — Ryubundo (龍文堂) Signature — Arare Pattern — Meiji Period
A fine antique Japanese cast iron tetsubin (鉄瓶) from the Meiji period, bearing a Ryubundo (龍文堂) signature on the interior of the brass lid and a secondary rectangular cartouche reading Kinshudo (金秀堂) cast directly into the iron body.
About Ryubundo
Ryubundo is among the most prestigious names in Japanese cast iron craftsmanship, based in Kyoto and active from the mid-Edo through Meiji periods. The workshop produced tetsubin of exceptional quality, characterized by refined surface textures, skilled casting, and carefully detailed lid furniture. Ryubundo pieces are among the most actively sought Japanese metalwork in European and international collector markets.
This Example
The body is covered in the classic arare (霰) pattern — a field of evenly spaced raised hobnails that is both the most traditional and most enduringly popular surface treatment in Japanese tetsubin production. The form is maru-gata (丸形), the archetypal round silhouette.
The lid is cast brass with a bronze flower-form knob (梅形つまみ) in the shape of a stylized prunus blossom — a detail consistent with quality Meiji-period production.
Maker Marks
Two marks are present and shown clearly in photographs:
Ryubundo (龍文堂) — engraved in cursive script on the underside of the brass lid
Kinshudo (金秀堂) — cast in relief within a rectangular cartouche on the iron body
The precise relationship between these two marks has not been established. Kinshudo may represent a sub-workshop, a licensed retailer, or a collaborative mark. Both are documented and shown in detail photographs.
Condition
Exterior: Very good. The iron surface retains a rich, even black patina. The arare pattern is crisp and well-defined throughout with no losses. The brass lid shows natural verdigris consistent with age. The bronze knob is intact.
Interior: Good. White mineral deposits and light surface oxidation are present, consistent with vintage use. No holes, cracks, or structural damage detected.
Measurements
Height with handle: 15 cm
Width: 14 cm
Lid diameter: 9 cm
Antique Japanese Cast Iron Tetsubin — Ryubundo (龍文堂) Signature — Arare Pattern — Meiji Period
A fine antique Japanese cast iron tetsubin (鉄瓶) from the Meiji period, bearing a Ryubundo (龍文堂) signature on the interior of the brass lid and a secondary rectangular cartouche reading Kinshudo (金秀堂) cast directly into the iron body.
About Ryubundo
Ryubundo is among the most prestigious names in Japanese cast iron craftsmanship, based in Kyoto and active from the mid-Edo through Meiji periods. The workshop produced tetsubin of exceptional quality, characterized by refined surface textures, skilled casting, and carefully detailed lid furniture. Ryubundo pieces are among the most actively sought Japanese metalwork in European and international collector markets.
This Example
The body is covered in the classic arare (霰) pattern — a field of evenly spaced raised hobnails that is both the most traditional and most enduringly popular surface treatment in Japanese tetsubin production. The form is maru-gata (丸形), the archetypal round silhouette.
The lid is cast brass with a bronze flower-form knob (梅形つまみ) in the shape of a stylized prunus blossom — a detail consistent with quality Meiji-period production.
Maker Marks
Two marks are present and shown clearly in photographs:
Ryubundo (龍文堂) — engraved in cursive script on the underside of the brass lid
Kinshudo (金秀堂) — cast in relief within a rectangular cartouche on the iron body
The precise relationship between these two marks has not been established. Kinshudo may represent a sub-workshop, a licensed retailer, or a collaborative mark. Both are documented and shown in detail photographs.
Condition
Exterior: Very good. The iron surface retains a rich, even black patina. The arare pattern is crisp and well-defined throughout with no losses. The brass lid shows natural verdigris consistent with age. The bronze knob is intact.
Interior: Good. White mineral deposits and light surface oxidation are present, consistent with vintage use. No holes, cracks, or structural damage detected.
Measurements
Height with handle: 15 cm
Width: 14 cm
Lid diameter: 9 cm
Details
Specific region of origin
Kyoto
Weight
900 g
Era
1400-1900
Title additional information
Arare Pattern Hobnail
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Manufacturer/ Brand
Ryubundo (龍文堂 )
Designer/artist/maker
Ryubundo (龍文堂)
Material
Cast Iron
Colour
Black
Style
Antique
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of ageing
Height
15 cm
Width
14 cm
Depth
7 cm
In Working Order
Yes
Estimated period
1850-1900
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