Antique Japanese Copper Kettle - 1920s Taisho Era (25D-073)

Antique Japanese Kettle, Copper, 1920s (SKU 25D-073)

Hand-hammered Taishō-era copper kettle with rich, timeworn patina

This antique Japanese copper kettle, or yakan, showcases the quiet elegance of early 20th-century metalwork. The rounded body is banded with fine, horizontal hammer marks that catch the light, while the upper section has been left smoother, creating a subtle contrast between texture and sheen. A gracefully arched handle and simple disc lid complete the understated silhouette, all unified by a deep, chocolate-brown patina developed over decades of use.

Likely dating to the 1920s Taishō era, this piece would originally have been used over a charcoal brazier to keep water ready for tea or daily cooking. Today it serves beautifully as a display object for a chashitsu (tea room), tokonoma alcove, or wabi-sabi inspired interior. Areas of verdigris, small dings, and a loss to the lid knob speak to its long life and add authentic character that collectors of Japanese antiques especially prize.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Taishō period (c. 1920s)
• Material: Copper
• Use: Traditional water kettle (yakan) for hearth or tea preparation; now best suited for decorative display
• Features: Hand-hammered lower body; arched fixed handle; fitted copper lid; warm aged patina with verdigris highlights; visible wear and hole to lid knob enhancing wabi-sabi character
• Dimensions: 7" Diameter x 6 1/2"H
• Condition: Vintage patina with dents, surface marks, verdigris, and a notable hole in the lid knob; sold as a decorative antique rather than for food use

A soulful Taishō-era copper kettle that brings authentic Japanese warmth and history to any curated space.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.