Keiten Takahashi - Kettle - Iron - Cloud Dragon Tea Ceremony
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Keiten Takahashi’s Unryu-gama cylindrical iron tea ceremony kettle (tsutsu-gama), of Japanese origin dating to 1990–2000, with its original wooden box, in poor condition with interior rust and a clearly visible dragon motif.
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Description from the seller
Keiten Takahashi (1920–2009) – Unryu-gama Cylindrical Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle – Living National Treasure – With Original Wooden Box – Japan
Product Overview
This Unryu-gama cylindrical iron tea kettle was made by Keiten Takahashi (1920–2009), a master kettle maker recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property for Tea Ceremony Kettles.
The kettle features a dignified cylindrical form decorated with a powerful cloud dragon motif. It is accompanied by its original wooden storage box, adding important documentation and collector value.
Product Details
This tea ceremony kettle has a refined upright cylindrical shape, known as Tsutsu-gama, and is decorated with an expressive Unryu cloud dragon design. The dragon motif is deeply associated with strength, auspiciousness, and movement, making it a highly suitable subject for a Japanese tea ceremony kettle.
The iron surface shows a tasteful aged patina, and the dragon design remains clearly visible, including the details of the scales. The work reflects Keiten Takahashi’s balance of strength, restraint, and refined metal craftsmanship.
The kettle comes with its original wooden box, which shows age-related staining and wear.
Product Specifications
Artist: Keiten Takahashi (1920–2009)
Title: Unryu-gama
Type: Japanese tea ceremony iron kettle
Form: Cylindrical kettle / Tsutsu-gama
Material: Iron
Country of Origin: Japan
Original Box: Yes
Dimensions:
Height: 19 cm
Width: 13.5 cm
(7.5 × 5.3 in)
Weight:
Kettle: 2.4 kg (5.3 lb)
With original wooden box: 3.3 kg (7.3 lb)
Condition: Antique. The exterior shows age-related patina, wear, and surface changes. The dragon design remains clearly visible. The interior has overall rust. The original wooden box has age-related stains and wear. Please refer to the photographs for details.
About the Artist
Keiten Takahashi was born in Yamagata City in 1920 and became one of Japan’s most important modern kettle makers. In 1938, he succeeded his family business, Yamasho Foundry, and later studied under Nagano Tetsushi.
He was first selected for the Nitten exhibition in 1951 and received several major awards, including the Encouragement Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1963 and the NHK Chairman’s Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1976.
On May 10, 1996, he was recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property for Tea Ceremony Kettles, commonly referred to as a Living National Treasure.
Background of the Product
Tea ceremony kettles, known as chagama, are essential utensils in Japanese tea culture. Their form, iron texture, and surface design contribute greatly to the atmosphere of the tea room.
The Unryu cloud dragon motif is a traditional auspicious design in East Asian art. Combined with the disciplined cylindrical form of the Tsutsu-gama, this kettle represents both symbolic power and the quiet refinement valued in Japanese tea ceremony aesthetics.
All photos were taken by the seller. They also show the actual product to be delivered.
Shipping
Shipped by FedEx or EMS with tracking number and compensation. Unless there are some irregularities such as bad weather or traffic problems, delivery can be made in about one week from the time of payment.
International Buyers - Please Note
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.
We do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as gifts. International government regulations prohibit such behavior.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Earst Japan.
Based in Japan and trusted by collectors worldwide through more than 280 successful Catawiki sales, we specialize in Japanese art, antiques, traditional craftsmanship, collectible knives, and carefully selected cultural treasures.
Every item is sourced directly in Japan through our trusted local network and carefully selected for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and collector value before being offered to collectors worldwide. We evaluate authenticity, condition, provenance when available, and collector significance to provide buyers with confidence and transparency.
We believe exceptional objects are more than possessions. They carry history, artistry, tradition, and the stories of the people who created, preserved, and cherished them across generations.
From fine artworks and antique objects to handcrafted Japanese knives and cultural artifacts, we focus on pieces that represent authentic craftsmanship, cultural significance, and lasting value.
Our goal is to connect meaningful pieces of Japanese history and craftsmanship with their next custodian, ensuring that their stories continue to be appreciated for years to come.
Thank you for visiting Earst Japan. We look forward to sharing the beauty, heritage, and enduring craftsmanship of Japan with collectors around the world.
Keiten Takahashi (1920–2009) – Unryu-gama Cylindrical Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle – Living National Treasure – With Original Wooden Box – Japan
Product Overview
This Unryu-gama cylindrical iron tea kettle was made by Keiten Takahashi (1920–2009), a master kettle maker recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property for Tea Ceremony Kettles.
The kettle features a dignified cylindrical form decorated with a powerful cloud dragon motif. It is accompanied by its original wooden storage box, adding important documentation and collector value.
Product Details
This tea ceremony kettle has a refined upright cylindrical shape, known as Tsutsu-gama, and is decorated with an expressive Unryu cloud dragon design. The dragon motif is deeply associated with strength, auspiciousness, and movement, making it a highly suitable subject for a Japanese tea ceremony kettle.
The iron surface shows a tasteful aged patina, and the dragon design remains clearly visible, including the details of the scales. The work reflects Keiten Takahashi’s balance of strength, restraint, and refined metal craftsmanship.
The kettle comes with its original wooden box, which shows age-related staining and wear.
Product Specifications
Artist: Keiten Takahashi (1920–2009)
Title: Unryu-gama
Type: Japanese tea ceremony iron kettle
Form: Cylindrical kettle / Tsutsu-gama
Material: Iron
Country of Origin: Japan
Original Box: Yes
Dimensions:
Height: 19 cm
Width: 13.5 cm
(7.5 × 5.3 in)
Weight:
Kettle: 2.4 kg (5.3 lb)
With original wooden box: 3.3 kg (7.3 lb)
Condition: Antique. The exterior shows age-related patina, wear, and surface changes. The dragon design remains clearly visible. The interior has overall rust. The original wooden box has age-related stains and wear. Please refer to the photographs for details.
About the Artist
Keiten Takahashi was born in Yamagata City in 1920 and became one of Japan’s most important modern kettle makers. In 1938, he succeeded his family business, Yamasho Foundry, and later studied under Nagano Tetsushi.
He was first selected for the Nitten exhibition in 1951 and received several major awards, including the Encouragement Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1963 and the NHK Chairman’s Award at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition in 1976.
On May 10, 1996, he was recognized as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property for Tea Ceremony Kettles, commonly referred to as a Living National Treasure.
Background of the Product
Tea ceremony kettles, known as chagama, are essential utensils in Japanese tea culture. Their form, iron texture, and surface design contribute greatly to the atmosphere of the tea room.
The Unryu cloud dragon motif is a traditional auspicious design in East Asian art. Combined with the disciplined cylindrical form of the Tsutsu-gama, this kettle represents both symbolic power and the quiet refinement valued in Japanese tea ceremony aesthetics.
All photos were taken by the seller. They also show the actual product to be delivered.
Shipping
Shipped by FedEx or EMS with tracking number and compensation. Unless there are some irregularities such as bad weather or traffic problems, delivery can be made in about one week from the time of payment.
International Buyers - Please Note
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.
These charges are normally collected by the delivering freight company or when you pick the item up - do not confuse them for additional shipping charges.
We do not mark merchandise values below value or mark items as gifts. International government regulations prohibit such behavior.
Seller's Story
Welcome to Earst Japan.
Based in Japan and trusted by collectors worldwide through more than 280 successful Catawiki sales, we specialize in Japanese art, antiques, traditional craftsmanship, collectible knives, and carefully selected cultural treasures.
Every item is sourced directly in Japan through our trusted local network and carefully selected for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and collector value before being offered to collectors worldwide. We evaluate authenticity, condition, provenance when available, and collector significance to provide buyers with confidence and transparency.
We believe exceptional objects are more than possessions. They carry history, artistry, tradition, and the stories of the people who created, preserved, and cherished them across generations.
From fine artworks and antique objects to handcrafted Japanese knives and cultural artifacts, we focus on pieces that represent authentic craftsmanship, cultural significance, and lasting value.
Our goal is to connect meaningful pieces of Japanese history and craftsmanship with their next custodian, ensuring that their stories continue to be appreciated for years to come.
Thank you for visiting Earst Japan. We look forward to sharing the beauty, heritage, and enduring craftsmanship of Japan with collectors around the world.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Weight
2.4 g
Title additional information
Cloud Dragon Tea Ceremony
Number of objects
1
Country of Origin
Japan
Designer/artist/maker
Keiten Takahashi
Material
Iron
Style
Vintage
Condition
Poor - heavily used with major cracks, damages or major parts missing
Height
19 cm
Width
13.5 cm
Depth
0 cm
In Working Order
No
Estimated period
1990-2000
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