Satō Jōsei (佐藤浄清) - Kama (tea ceremony kettle) with chrysanthemum and paulownia, signed, with tomobako - Cast iron, Copper - Japan - Shōwa period Description A Japanese cast iron kama (kettle for the tea ceremony) by the kettle maker Satō Jōsei (佐藤浄清). The kettle is of cylindrical form with a full, rounded shoulder and a horizontal band setting off the lower part of the body. It is cast in low relief with a design of chrysanthemum and paulownia (kiri), the large chrysanthemum flower and the paulownia leaves with their flower stems rendered with clear, crisp detail. The finely textured iron surface has a warm reddish-brown patina. The kettle has a pair of animal-head lugs (kantsuki) and is fitted with a copper lid with a flower-bud finial on a petal-shaped base. The body bears the cast signature “Jōsei” (浄清) near the lower band. The interior has a smooth, dark surface in good condition. It comes with its original wooden box (tomobako) with cord, the lid inscribed with the title, including 菊桐地紋 (chrysanthemum and paulownia design), and signed “Jōsei zō” (浄清造, “made by Jōsei”) with a seal. Details Artist: Satō Jōsei (佐藤浄清) Type: Kama (tea ceremony kettle) Decoration: Chrysanthemum and paulownia in low relief Signature: Cast “Jōsei” (浄清) on the body Lugs: Animal-head kantsuki Lid: Copper, with flower-bud finial Box: Original signed tomobako with cord Period: Shōwa period (1926-1989) Weight: 4800g Condition Good condition with light signs of use: A few small rust spots to the interior, as is usual for iron kettles Light mineral deposits and discolouration to the underside of the copper lid Light wear and small marks consistent with age The box shows light soiling and wear Please examine all photos carefully, as they form part of the description. Provenance From a private collection in Japan. Shipping Ships from Kyoto, Japan, via EMS (Japan Post) or FedEx, fully tracked and insured, carefully packed. Import duties and taxes, if any, are the buyer’s responsibility.