Vintage Japanese Karakane Bronze Futa-oki Set of Seven (Shichi-shu) with Signed Kiri Wood Box, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0641

Vintage Japanese Karakane Bronze Futa-oki Set of Seven (Shichi-shu) with Signed Kiri Wood Box, Late Showa 1966-1989 | SKU: 26J-0641

A complete shichi-shu set of seven karakane bronze kettle-lid rests in sculptural forms, housed in a signed artist's kiri wood presentation box

A futa-oki is a small rest used in the Japanese tea ceremony (chado) to hold the iron kettle lid after it has been removed during the preparation of tea. Among the most refined and collectible of all chado utensils, karakane futa-oki are cast from a rich bronze alloy prized for its deep, warm patina and its association with classical Chinese-influenced metalwork. This exceptional shichi-shu set -- meaning a matched group of seven -- presents each piece as a miniature sculptural work in its own right: a naturalistically rendered crab, a charming figural group of children holding hands, a square vessel form topped with a crouching frog finial, a smooth crescent-shaped saddle rest, a footed incense-burner style piece with a pierced and dragon-relief lid, a clean geometric ring stand with upright posts, and an abstract curved form on a butterfly base. Each piece displays a beautifully aged olive-brown patina consistent with high-quality Showa-era cast bronze craft. The fitted kiri wood storage box is inscribed with the title "karakane shichi-shu futa-oki" and bears a calligraphic artist signature alongside an impressed seal, confirming this as a named craftsman's work. Individual compartments lined with tissue protect each piece, making the set a rare find in such complete and well-preserved condition -- a genuine example of vintage Japanese craft at its most inventive.

Beyond the tea room, this set offers remarkable versatility as a living room accent or display piece for collectors of Japanese vintage art objects. Arranged on a small tray or lacquered stand, the seven bronze miniatures make a striking wabi-sabi aesthetic vignette on a sideboard, bookshelf, or home office desk -- each form inviting closer inspection. The fitted box itself, with its calligraphy inscription and purple silk ribbon handle, doubles as an elegant display case and would suit a Japandi style interior beautifully. For enthusiasts of chado or collectors of Japanese metalwork, this set makes a deeply considered and unique gift -- equally at home in a tea room, a curator's cabinet, or as a statement piece of Japanese vintage art in any contemplative modern space.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Karakane bronze (patinated cast bronze alloy); kiri wood (paulownia) presentation box with silk ribbon
• Use: Futa-oki -- kettle-lid rests used during the Japanese tea ceremony (chado) to hold the iron kettle lid safely aside while preparing matcha
• Modern Use: Sculptural display set for a living room accent shelf or Japandi interior; collectible miniature bronze art objects for a home office or cabinet of curiosities; unique gift for tea ceremony practitioners or Japanese vintage collectors
• Features: Complete shichi-shu (set of seven) futa-oki in varied sculptural forms including a crab, figural children group, frog-topped square vessel, crescent saddle rest, footed incense-burner form with pierced dragon-relief lid, geometric ring stand, and abstract butterfly-base rest; rich olive-brown karakane patina throughout; housed in a fitted compartmented kiri wood box with calligraphic title inscription, artist signature, and impressed seal; purple silk ribbon handle; each piece individually wrapped in tissue
• Dimensions: --
• Condition: Excellent

A museum-quality set of Japanese vintage tea ceremony utensils -- seven karakane bronze futa-oki of remarkable sculptural variety, complete in their original signed artist's box, and ready to bring the quiet beauty of chado 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 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.