Item Description: This is an exceptional set comprising a "Shinnari-gama" (true-form kettle) with a karakane bronze brazier (furo), collaboratively created by two distinguished metalwork artists: Hannya Kankei 般若勘渓 and Kikuchi Masamitsu 菊地政光. The set represents a masterful fusion of traditional Japanese tea ceremony metalwork techniques from two distinct regional traditions - the renowned Takaoka copperware and Yamagata casting. The kettle follows the classic "shinnari" (true shape) form, the most traditional and enduring design in tea ceremony history. This shape, which developed during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), remains the most popular kettle form due to its balanced proportions and excellent heat distribution properties. The gentle, rounded body with slightly flared rim represents centuries of refinement in functional elegance, perfect for heating water to the precise temperature required for preparing matcha. The brazier is crafted from karakane, a prestigious bronze alloy containing copper with small amounts of tin and lead, creating a distinctive dark, blackish tone. This alloy is particularly valued in tea ceremony for its superior heat retention properties and dignified appearance that develops a rich patina over time. The brazier's design reflects refined tea ceremony aesthetics, characterized by clean lines and understated elegance. This collaborative work showcases Hannya Kankei's mastery of traditional Takaoka casting techniques combined with Kikuchi Masamitsu's expertise in Yamagata metalwork traditions. The set comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), confirming authenticity and provenance. According to the seller, the kettle shows no water leakage and no signs of repair, indicating excellent functional condition. The combination of a cast iron kettle with a karakane bronze brazier represents a high level of tea ceremony equipment, suitable for both ro (sunken hearth) season and furo (brazier) season ceremonies. The karakane brazier's superior heat retention ensures stable water temperature throughout the tea ceremony, while its elegant patina provides the aesthetic depth appreciated by tea ceremony practitioners. Size Overall width (handle to handle): 30 cm Height: 34.5 cm Interior diameter: 18.6 cm Condition Good condition with age-appropriate patina and minor signs of use. No water leakage, no repairs detected. Original wooden box (tomobako) included. Artist Profiles Hannya Kankei 般若勘渓 (1933-2022) Hannya Kankei is a distinguished metalwork artist from Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, heir to a lineage dating back to 1611 when the Maeda clan invited master founders to establish the Takaoka casting tradition. He studied under his father, the second-generation Kankei, mastering the family's signature "sogata" (double-mold) casting technique. Kankei became a full member of the Japan Kogei Association in 1972, establishing himself as a leading figure in contemporary Japanese metalwork. His career achievements include: Japan Kogei Association Award at the Traditional Crafts Metal Exhibition (1973), Encouragement Prize (1982), and Asahi Shimbun Prize (1985). He specializes in high-level lathe work and the casting of sahari, a prestigious copper-tin alloy prized for its resonant acoustic properties. Kankei's work is distinguished by his dedication to researching and recreating historical tea ceremony kettles, producing numerous interpretations of classical forms. He has received commissions from the Imperial Household Agency to replicate treasures from the Shosoin Repository, demonstrating the highest level of technical achievement and cultural trust. His kettles and tea ceremony implements are celebrated for their combination of scholarly accuracy and artistic refinement, bridging historical tradition with contemporary craftsmanship. The Hannya family maintains their foundry in Takaoka, continuing over 400 years of metalworking tradition while incorporating modern research and techniques. Kankei's work exemplifies the sophisticated casting techniques that have made Takaoka copperware renowned throughout Japan. Kikuchi Masamitsu 菊地政光 (1937-) Born January 19, 1937, in Yamagata Prefecture, Kikuchi Masamitsu is a master craftsman inheriting the traditions of Oshu Yamagata casting, one of Japan's historic metalworking centers. He actively exhibits at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, achieving his first acceptance in 1973 and earning ten subsequent selections - a remarkable achievement demonstrating consistent excellence over decades. Kikuchi's distinguished career includes winning the Japan Kogei Association Tokyo Branch Prize at the 5th Traditional Crafts Musashino Exhibition in 1978. Beyond this exhibition, he accumulated ten acceptances, alongside fourteen acceptances at the Japan Traditional Crafts New Works Exhibition and twelve at the Traditional Crafts Japanese Metalwork Exhibition. His work consistently demonstrates innovative sensibility while maintaining deep respect for traditional forms. In 1982, Kikuchi was designated a Traditional Craftsman by the Japanese government, official recognition of his technical mastery and contribution to preserving traditional metalworking techniques. He serves as a full member of the Japan Kogei Association, maintaining active participation in Japan's premier crafts community. His work style is characterized by the integration of contemporary aesthetic sensibilities with classical tea ceremony requirements. This set, created in collaboration with Hannya Kankei, represents the meeting of two distinct regional metalworking traditions - Yamagata's refined casting techniques and Takaoka's bronze working mastery - united in service of tea ceremony culture. Kikuchi received additional recognition with an Asahi Shimbun Certificate Award in 1993 and a Modern Tea Ceremony Crafts Artists Exhibition honor in 1988, confirming his position among contemporary Japan's most respected tea ceremony metalwork artists. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, 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 Customes 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.