– Takahashi Keiten: designated Living National Treasure for cast iron craft (Jūyō Mukei Bunkazai) – Bamboo motif cast in traditional sand-mould technique – refined texture and patina – Unused condition with original signed storage box – rare collector opportunity Summary: This is a cast iron sake server (chōshi) by Takahashi Keiten (1920–2009), one of Japan's officially designated Living National Treasures. Keiten received this honour for his mastery of traditional iron casting, a technique rooted in centuries of Japanese metalwork. The bamboo motif embossed across the surface reflects a classic theme in East Asian art – resilience, flexibility, and natural elegance. The piece is unused, preserving its original surface quality and the maker's intended finish. It weighs approximately 790 grams and stands roughly 15.5 cm tall. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a work by a nationally recognised craftsman whose pieces are highly sought after by collectors of Japanese metalwork and mingei (folk craft) aesthetics. There are objects you encounter casually, and objects that demand a moment of reverence. This cast iron sake server belongs decisively to the latter. Made by Takahashi Keiten, a Living National Treasure, it represents the pinnacle of traditional Japanese iron casting – a discipline that balances ancient technique with refined artistic vision. Living National Treasures (Ningen Kokuhō) are individuals officially recognised by the Japanese government for their mastery of intangible cultural practices. Takahashi Keiten earned this distinction for his work in tetsubin and other cast ironware, preserving the sand-mould casting methods developed during the Edo period in northern Japan. His output is characterised by meticulous surface treatment and an unerring sense of proportion – qualities immediately evident in this sake server. The bamboo motif is a recurring theme in Japanese decorative arts, symbolising resilience and flexibility in the face of adversity. Here, it is rendered in low relief, the stalks and leaves emerging subtly from the iron's dark surface. The casting technique requires building detailed moulds from fine sand, which are then destroyed during the pour – every piece is effectively unique. The resulting texture has a quiet tactility, rewarding both the eye and the hand. This chōshi was designed to warm and serve sake, yet it transcends pure function. In a contemporary setting, it works as a sculptural accent on a sideboard, a conversation piece in a dining room, or a practical vessel for those who appreciate the ritual of warmed sake. The weight and coolness of iron contrast beautifully with the warmth of the liquid it contains, creating a sensory experience that modern materials rarely match. The condition is exceptional – unused, with only minor surface patina consistent with age and handling during storage. The iron retains its original finish, free from significant rust or wear. There is no water leakage, and the piece comes in its original signed wooden storage box, an important marker of authenticity and provenance. Works by Living National Treasures occupy a special place in the hierarchy of Japanese craft. They are not merely functional objects but recognised cultural assets, often featured in museum exhibitions and sought after by serious collectors. Takahashi Keiten's tetsubin and related ironware appear in private and public collections globally, appreciated for their technical excellence and quiet beauty. For those building a collection of Japanese metalwork or seeking a piece that bridges function and fine art, this chōshi offers rare access to a nationally celebrated craftsman's vision. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese metalwork and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours. 1192