Ashtray - Iron - Japanese Crane Longevity





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Two-piece cast iron Nanbu Tekki ashtray and small storage tray from Iwate Prefecture, Japan, dating to Showa 48 (1973), in black with a hobnail surface; weighs 2.542 kg and measures 24 x 24 x 5 cm, with a wedding commemorative inscription Mizutani and Konno; in good condition with minor oxidation on the underside.
Description from the seller
Item Description
This is a substantial two-piece cast iron ashtray/tray set in the Nanbu Tekki tradition, the well-known ironware craft of Iwate Prefecture, Japan. The set consists of a square outer frame with a fine hobnail (arare) textured surface and a nesting inner tray with a sculpted, undulating surface pierced with four crescent-shaped cut-outs, designed to rest cigarettes. The inner tray lifts out to reveal a deep square box beneath the outer frame, giving the piece dual use as both an ashtray and a small storage tray.
The underside carries an engraved inscription reading "結婚記念" (wedding commemoration) with the date "昭和48年1月吉日" (an auspicious day in January, Showa 48 – 1973), along with the family names Mizutani and Konno, indicating the piece was produced as a personalized wedding anniversary keepsake. A small round paper label with orange lettering identifying it as Nanbu Tekki is affixed to the interior of the inner tray, and a maker's mark is faintly cast into the underside.
The piece measures 24 cm in width, 24 cm in depth, and 5 cm in height, and has a solid weight of approximately 2542 g, typical of genuine cast iron Nanbu ware.
Size
Height: 5 cm
Width: 24 cm
Depth: 24 cm
Weight
2542 g / 2.542 kg
Condition
The cast iron surface retains its original black finish with light overall wear consistent with age; close inspection reveals a few small areas of surface oxidation (light rust spotting) on the underside, as visible in the macro photographs. No cracks, chips, or structural damage are present, and the inner tray fits securely within the outer frame.
Additional Information
Craft: Nanbu Tekki, traditional cast ironware from Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Date: Inscribed Showa 48 (1973), commissioned as a wedding anniversary commemorative piece
Material: Cast iron
Inscription: "結婚記念" (wedding commemoration) with family names Mizutani and Konno
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.
Seller's Story
Item Description
This is a substantial two-piece cast iron ashtray/tray set in the Nanbu Tekki tradition, the well-known ironware craft of Iwate Prefecture, Japan. The set consists of a square outer frame with a fine hobnail (arare) textured surface and a nesting inner tray with a sculpted, undulating surface pierced with four crescent-shaped cut-outs, designed to rest cigarettes. The inner tray lifts out to reveal a deep square box beneath the outer frame, giving the piece dual use as both an ashtray and a small storage tray.
The underside carries an engraved inscription reading "結婚記念" (wedding commemoration) with the date "昭和48年1月吉日" (an auspicious day in January, Showa 48 – 1973), along with the family names Mizutani and Konno, indicating the piece was produced as a personalized wedding anniversary keepsake. A small round paper label with orange lettering identifying it as Nanbu Tekki is affixed to the interior of the inner tray, and a maker's mark is faintly cast into the underside.
The piece measures 24 cm in width, 24 cm in depth, and 5 cm in height, and has a solid weight of approximately 2542 g, typical of genuine cast iron Nanbu ware.
Size
Height: 5 cm
Width: 24 cm
Depth: 24 cm
Weight
2542 g / 2.542 kg
Condition
The cast iron surface retains its original black finish with light overall wear consistent with age; close inspection reveals a few small areas of surface oxidation (light rust spotting) on the underside, as visible in the macro photographs. No cracks, chips, or structural damage are present, and the inner tray fits securely within the outer frame.
Additional Information
Craft: Nanbu Tekki, traditional cast ironware from Iwate Prefecture, Japan
Date: Inscribed Showa 48 (1973), commissioned as a wedding anniversary commemorative piece
Material: Cast iron
Inscription: "結婚記念" (wedding commemoration) with family names Mizutani and Konno
The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation.
Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL.
Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea.
Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment.
Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.

