Antique Japanese Cast Iron Tetsubin with Dragon and Phoenix Relief, Taisho period (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-613

Antique Japanese Cast Iron Tetsubin with Dragon and Phoenix Relief, Taisho period (1912-1926) | SKU: 26M-613

A hand-cast iron tetsubin wrapped in dramatic dragon and phoenix relief -- a century-old masterwork of Japanese ironcraft.

A tetsubin is a traditional Japanese cast-iron kettle used to boil water for the tea ceremony and daily hot water preparation. Crafted during the Taisho period, this impressive example showcases the finest qualities of handcrafted Japanese ironwork: a heavy-walled body sand-cast in multiple sections, then assembled and sealed, with every surface covered in dense raised relief. Encircling the body is a sweeping composition of a ryu (dragon) coiling through stylized clouds and peony blossoms -- one of the most auspicious motifs in Japanese decorative arts, symbolizing power, good fortune, and transformation. The reverse panels reveal a ho-o (phoenix) soaring through the same cloud-filled landscape, completing a narrative that wraps fully around the kettle. The arched iron bail handle is elegantly shaped with a bamboo-segment profile at its crown, and the flat cast-iron lid carries a smooth ball finial with a trefoil relief underneath -- a refined counterpoint to the turbulent surface of the body. The base shows the characteristic roughened texture and natural oxidation patina of a genuine antique Japanese tetsubin, with rich dark iron tones developed over more than a century of use.

Today this tetsubin makes a commanding decorative accent in any living room, study, or entryway styled around a wabi-sabi aesthetic or Japandi interior. Displayed on a shelf, sideboard, or tokonoma-inspired alcove, its sculptural dragon-and-phoenix relief draws the eye and invites closer inspection -- a natural conversation piece and a meaningful gift for collectors of Japanese antique ironware or Japanophiles who appreciate living history. For those who wish to restore it to functional use, a well-maintained tetsubin can be seasoned and used again on a gas or IH-compatible surface to boil water, naturally enriching it with trace minerals the traditional way.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Cast iron; iron bail handle; cast-iron lid with ball finial
• Use: Boiling water for the tea ceremony and everyday hot water service
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway decorative accent; display piece in a wabi-sabi or Japandi interior; restorable for functional use as a stovetop kettle
• Features: All-over high-relief dragon and phoenix motif amid clouds and peony blossoms; arched iron bail handle with bamboo-joint profile; cast-iron flat lid with ball finial and trefoil underside relief; heavily textured surface throughout; wide open mouth; natural century-old iron patina
• Dimensions: 10 1/4" Diameter x 15"H
• Condition: Excellent

A striking piece of Japanese antique ironware -- hand-cast over a century ago and still powerful enough to anchor any modern interior with history, artistry, and presence.

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 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.