Antique Japanese Iron Chagama Tea Kettle, 1912 - 1926 (Taisho) | SKU: 26M-772

Japanese Tetsubin Iron Kettle | Antique Tea Ceremony Water Vessel & Wabi-Sabi Decor Accent, 1912-1926 (Taisho), SKU 26M-772

A generously rounded cast iron kama with finely ribbed texture, iron ring handles, and a decorative copper lid -- a rare survivor of the Taisho-era tea ceremony tradition.

A kama is a traditional Japanese cast iron water kettle used in the chado (tea ceremony) to heat water for preparing matcha. This handsome example from the Taisho period displays the full, globular form known as marugama -- a shape prized for its elegant simplicity and excellent heat retention. The entire body is covered in a fine horizontal rib pattern (arare-nuri style ground texture) that gives the dark iron surface a subtle, meditative depth characteristic of the finest Japanese antique teaware. A pair of forged iron ring handles are threaded through lug fittings on either side, allowing the kettle to be suspended over a hearth or lifted with a kama-tsuri hook. The separate lid is cast in a contrasting reddish-copper tone and is topped with an ornate ribbed finial -- a detail that speaks to the skilled metalwork of the period. The base, visible in the detail images, shows the classic recessed navel of a traditionally cast kama, confirming hand-crafted production methods that remained largely unchanged from the Edo period through the early twentieth century.

Today this striking handcrafted Japanese iron kettle makes a compelling statement in a variety of modern interior settings. Placed on a wooden tray or ceramic stand, it becomes an instant focal point on a living room shelf, mantelpiece, or entryway console -- perfectly suited to a wabi-sabi aesthetic or Japandi style interior where natural materials and quiet patina are celebrated. Its generous, sculptural silhouette also works beautifully as a desktop accent in a home office or meditation room, evoking calm and mindful living. Collectors of Japanese antique teaware and Japanophiles alike will appreciate its rarity and age; it also makes a distinctive housewarming gift for anyone drawn to the quiet beauty of traditional Japanese craft.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1912-1926 (Taisho)
• Material: Cast iron body; copper-toned metal lid with cast finial; forged iron ring handles
• Use: Kama -- traditional tea ceremony water kettle, used to heat water over a charcoal hearth for preparing matcha
• Modern Use: Decorative living room or entryway accent; wabi-sabi or Japandi style shelf display; distinctive gift for collectors of Japanese antique teaware
• Features: Full globular marugama form; all-over fine horizontal rib texture across the body; paired forged iron ring handles on lug fittings; separate copper-toned lid with ornate ribbed finial; recessed base typical of traditionally cast kama; rich dark iron patina throughout
• Dimensions: 8"W x 8"D x 10"H
• Condition: Excellent

A rare and sculptural piece of Japanese antique teaware -- this Taisho-era kama brings the meditative spirit of chado and the enduring beauty of hand-cast iron into any modern home.

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.