Vessel - Copper - 1920-1930 - Gilded Floral Mizutsugi

Title: Gilded Floral Carved Copper Mizutsugi (水次), with original tomobako
Technique: Hammer‑forged copper, metal chiselling (彫金), gilded overlay
Dimensions:
Overall H (including handle) approx. 25.5 × W 24 × D 16.2 cm (10.0 × 9.4 × 6.4 in)
Weight: 677 g
Box dimensions: H 20.5 × W 21.3 × D 21.5 cm (8.1 × 8.4 × 8.5 in)
Material: Copper
Period: Late Taishō‑Early Shōwa period, approx. 1920‑1940
Included: Original paulownia tomobako (共箱), yellow inner‑lining fabric

This vintage tea‑ceremony mizutsugi (水次) is forged from solid copper in one piece, a traditional Japanese tea‑ceremony utensil. The surface displays a warm aged brown patina, built‑up naturally over time with rich tonal variations, not artificially aged.

Crafted in the Japanese metal‑carving technique chōkin (彫金): floral outlines and leaf veins are chiselled into the copper surface, followed by partial gilding decoration. The body is finely carved with autumn‑grass and chrysanthemum motifs. Blossom and foliage lines flow gracefully; the mottled worn gilding embodies the aesthetic of wabi‑sabi (侘寂).

Autumn grasses and chrysanthemums are classic motifs for Japanese tea‑ceremony objects, conveying quiet elegance. This vessel was used to add cold water into the tea‑kettle during tea ceremonies. It is also well‑suited for display and specialised tea‑utensil collection.

The barrel‑shaped body is fitted with a movable hinged handle. The lid features a chrysanthemum‑form knob, also carved with floral patterns. The spout is equipped with a flip‑up dust‑proof cover, balancing practical function and decorative appeal. Carved floral details show clear depth; the forged form is well‑proportioned and full‑bodied.

It comes complete with the original paulownia tomobako (共箱) storage box. The outer lid bears hand‑written calligraphy: “鍍金草花絵水次”. A matching paper label with the same title is affixed to the side of the box. The inner side of the lid is inscribed “Chayōka (茶用家)”, confirming perfect box‑to‑item matching.

Due to age, the copper shows oxidation and wear, with natural loss of the gilded surface. The copper body has no cracks, splits or repairs. The lid of the original tomobako has edge damage, age‑related discoloration and accumulated dust. Overall condition is good relative to its age.


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