iron “shihō-chōshi” pouring vessel with interchangeable lids – by jōsei satō (traditional crafts master) this is a traditional japanese shihō-chōshi (four-sided pouring vessel), originally used for serving warmed sake or hot water in kaiseki cuisine, and also employed in the tea ceremony for heating water during charcoal preparation. description form a square-bodied vessel with a spout, known as a shihō-chōshi. material body: cast iron handle: cast iron surface: rough-textured iron with basket-weave pattern (kagome-mon) on all four sides two types of lids included 1. iron lid matching texture and finish with the body decorated with geometric lattice and floral motifs 2. porcelain lid (kinrande) bright red ground fully decorated with gold arabesque patterns gilt finial underside painted in cobalt blue with a landscape of mountains and a sailboat → a refined feature allowing the user to switch between the iron lid and the ornate porcelain lid depending on season or aesthetic preference in the tea ceremony. artist biography – jōsei satō (1916–1996) born in yamagata prefecture studied under negoro jitsuzō 1977: certified as a traditional crafts master by the japanese government received the title “okamashi” (official kettle maker) from daitoku-ji temple in kyoto 1989: awarded the saitō mokichi cultural prize 1992: awarded the order of the sacred treasure, 6th class passed away in 1996 he is one of japan’s most respected kettle makers, and his works are highly sought after in the world of tea utensils. dimensions height: 16 cm width: 15 cm depth: 11.5 cm weight: 1.26 kg shipping shipping via dhl or japan post. please note that import duties/taxes may apply depending on your country. please bid with this understanding.