Shirihari-gama - 鐵（鑄） - 日本 - 昭和年代(1926-1989)

Sato Josei (1916–1996) – Signed Shirihari-gama Tea Kettle with Nanryo Lid Knob – Tomobako & Two Original Leaflets

Product Overview

This elegant Shirihari-gama (rounded tea kettle) was created by Sato Josei (1916–1996), a distinguished Japanese kettle maker known for preserving the traditional craftsmanship of tea ceremony kettles.

The kettle bears the artist's incised signature "浄清" (Josei) and is accompanied by its original signed wooden box (tomobako) and two original artist's leaflets (shiori), providing valuable documentation of the artist and his work.

The wooden box is inscribed 「尻張釜」 (Shirihari-gama) and 「南鐐摘」 (Nanryo lid knob), identifying the traditional kettle form and the Nanryo lid knob.

Product Details

The Shirihari-gama is one of the classic forms of Japanese tea kettles used in chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony. Its gently rounded lower body creates a harmonious silhouette while offering excellent balance and stability during use.

The kettle bears the incised signature "浄清", confirming the maker.

The original signed wooden box identifies the work as Shirihari-gama fitted with a Nanryo lid knob. The accompanying two original leaflets present the artist's biography, career achievements, and traditional kettle-making techniques, enhancing the historical and documentary value of the piece.

There is rust inside the kettle (kamachu sabi), consistent with age and previous use. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Product Specifications
Artist: Sato Josei (1916–1996)
Title: Shirihari-gama
Type: Tea Kettle (Chagama)
Material: Cast Iron
Lid Knob: Nanryo
Dimensions:
Height: 19 cm (7.5 in)
Width: 24 cm (9.4 in)
Opening Diameter:
11 cm (4.3 in)
Weight:
3.5 kg (7.7 lb)
Weight with Box:
4.7 kg (10.4 lb)
Signature: Incised signature "浄清" on the kettle
Original Box: Original signed Tomobako
Original Leaflets: Two original artist's leaflets
Accessories: Original signed wooden box and two original leaflets
Condition: Good vintage condition. Rust is present inside the kettle, consistent with age and use. Please refer to the photographs for complete condition details.
About the Artist

Sato Josei (1916–1996) was born in Yamagata Prefecture and studied under Negoro Jitsuzo, who was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property Holder for traditional Japanese tea kettle making.

Josei was certified as a Traditional Craftsman of Japan in 1977. Kyoto's Daitoku-ji Temple bestowed upon him the honorary title "Okamashi" (Official Kettle Maker). His achievements include the Mokichi Saito Cultural Prize in 1989 and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Sixth Class in 1992.

Background of the Product

The chagama is an essential utensil in the Japanese tea ceremony, used to heat water for preparing matcha.

Among traditional kettle forms, the Shirihari-gama is appreciated for its rounded body and balanced proportions. The original wooden box is inscribed 「南鐐摘」 (Nanryo lid knob), indicating the traditional style of the lid knob.

The accompanying original leaflets provide additional information about the artist and his traditional approach to kettle making.

All photos were taken by the seller. They also show the actual product to be delivered.

Shipping

Shipped by FedEx or EMS with tracking number and compensation. Unless there are some irregularities such as bad weather or traffic problems, delivery can be made in about one week from the time of payment.

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