Item Description 高橋敬典 Takahashi Keiten（1920–2009） This exceptional chagama (tea ceremony kettle) was crafted by Takahashi Keiten, designated a Living National Treasure (Ningen Kokuhō) in the art of chanoyu (tea ceremony) kettles. This is a hira-maru-hanegama — a flat, round-bodied kettle with flanged rim (hane) — finished in a distinctive shirahada (white skin) texture, adorned with a refined matsu jimon (pine pattern ground design) achieved through Keiten's masterful spatula-pressing technique. The pale, matte iron surface has a calm, contemplative beauty that embodies the wabi-sabi aesthetic at the heart of the Japanese tea tradition. The piece comes with the original wooden box (tomobako) signed by the artist, attesting to its authenticity and collector-grade provenance. The original wooden storage box (tomobako) has a pre-existing crack. Please be aware that due to the fragile nature of the box, further damage — including potential breakage — may occur during transit. The condition of the storage box cannot be guaranteed upon delivery, and no refunds or claims will be accepted for any damage to the box that may result from shipping. The box is provided as-is. Size Height: 14 cm Width: 25 cm Depth: 25 cm Weight 2,672 g / 2.67 kg Condition In excellent condition with no notable scratches or soiling; comes with original signed wooden box (tomobako). The original wooden storage box (tomobako) has a pre-existing crack. Please be aware that due to the fragile nature of the box, further damage — including potential breakage — may occur during transit. The condition of the storage box cannot be guaranteed upon delivery, and no refunds or claims will be accepted for any damage to the box that may result from shipping. The box is provided as-is. Artist Profile 高橋敬典 Takahashi Keiten（1920–2009） Takahashi Keiten was born on September 22, 1920, in the Dōmachi (Copper Town) district of Yamagata City, a historic center of Japanese iron casting. He inherited his family's foundry, the Yamasei Casting Works, at the age of eighteen. From around 1950, under the guidance of master kettle-maker Nagano Tetsushi, he devoted himself entirely to the creation of chanoyu kettles. His work was first accepted at the prestigious Nitten exhibition in 1951, and he went on to receive numerous major awards including the NHK Chairman's Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition. In 1961, he created a kettle presented to Emperor Shōwa, and in 1979, one to the Crown Prince. In 1992 he was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure (4th Class). In 1996, he became the first artist from Yamagata Prefecture to be designated a holder of an Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure) in the field of chanoyu kettles. Keiten is celebrated for his harmonious and refined style, combining innovative form with extraordinary surface techniques — including his distinctive spatula-pressed (hera-oshi) patterning — that elevated Yamagata iron casting to national renown. He passed away on June 23, 2009, at the age of eighty-nine. 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.