Vintage Japanese Copper Dobin Hot Water Kettle, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0524

Vintage Japanese Copper Dobin Hot Water Kettle, Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0524

A hand-hammered copper hot water kettle with engraved bird-and-foliage cartouche -- Japanese vintage metalwork at its most quietly refined.

A dobin is a traditional Japanese hot water vessel used to heat and pour water for tea or daily household use. This example, dating to the Early Showa period, showcases the skill of Japanese copper craftsmen who shaped the globular body entirely by hand, leaving an all-over dimpled hammer texture that catches the light across every curve. The surface has deepened over decades into a rich tawny-brown patina with dark oxidized shadows -- the very essence of the wabi-sabi aesthetic. Set against this textured ground, a fan-shaped cartouche on the body is engraved with a perched songbird among leafy branches, a classic motif drawn from the Japanese literary and artistic tradition of kacho-ga (bird-and-flower imagery). The arched bail handle pivots on fitted metal mounts at either side of the neck, and the domed lid seats snugly with a spherical knop. The short, elegantly curved spout completes a silhouette that is both purposeful and beautiful -- a hallmark of vintage Japanese craft.

In the modern home, this handcrafted Japanese copper kettle makes a striking statement far beyond the kitchen. Display it on a wooden shelf or entryway console as a living room accent that anchors a Japandi style vignette alongside ceramics and natural textiles. Its sculptural form and warm amber tones make it equally at home on a dining room sideboard or a home office reading nook. It also serves as a memorable housewarming gift for collectors or Japanophiles who appreciate the beauty of vintage Japanese metalwork -- a conversation piece that needs only to be set down and admired.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: Hand-hammered copper with darkened age patina; metal bail-handle mounts
• Use: Hot water vessel for tea preparation or daily household use
• Modern Use: Living room or entryway decorative accent; Japandi style shelf display; housewarming gift for collectors of vintage Japanese metalwork
• Features: All-over hand-hammered dimple texture across globular body; engraved fan-shaped cartouche with perched bird and foliage motif; arched copper bail handle on pivoting metal mounts; fitted domed lid with spherical knop; short curved spout; rich tawny-brown and dark oxidized patina throughout
• Dimensions: 9"W x 8"D x 11"H
• Condition: Excellent

A timeless piece of vintage Japanese metalwork -- the warm patina and hand-hammered artistry of this copper dobin bring depth, history, and wabi-sabi beauty to any modern interior.

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 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.