Antique Japanese Tetsubin – Siberian Expedition Commemorative, 1920s Taisho Era (25D-178-1)

Antique Japanese Tetsubin – Siberian Expedition Commemorative (SKU 25D-178-1)

Taisho-era cast iron kettle with chrysanthemum relief and inscribed bronze lid

This vintage Japanese iron kettle, or tetsubin, features a softly fluted body with finely textured vertical striations, reminiscent of layered straw garments. A rope-like carved band encircles the shoulder, while raised chrysanthemum sprays — symbols of longevity, resilience, and imperial refinement — animate the surface with quiet dignity.

The warm-toned bronze lid bears a significant historical inscription on its underside reading:

“Siberian Expedition Commemorative
Fukiage Village
Kinsakudō Made” (西伯利亜出征記念 吹上村 金作堂造)

This inscription places the piece within the Taisho-era context of Japan’s participation in the Siberian Expedition (1918–1922). Village-level commemorative items such as this were often commissioned to honor local servicemen, making this kettle both a utilitarian object and a tangible artifact of early 20th-century Japanese history.

The arched iron handle rises in a strong yet elegant curve, complementing the well-balanced spout. The cast surface has developed a deep, time-softened patina consistent with age, lending the piece an authentic wabi-sabi presence.

While originally intended for heating water, this tetsubin now serves beautifully as a display piece — ideal for collectors of Japanese historical artifacts, Taisho-era ironwork, or tea culture objects with documented provenance.

Origin: Japan
Era: Taisho period (circa 1918–1920s)
Workshop: Kinsakudō (金作堂)
Material: Cast iron body with bronze lid
Use: Traditional tetsubin for heating water; now best suited for decorative display or collection
Features:

• Siberian Expedition commemorative inscription

• Village-specific engraving (Fukiage Village)

• Chrysanthemum relief decoration

• Vertically fluted body form

• Sculpted iron handle

• Bronze lid inscribed and workshop-signed

• Rich aged patina consistent with Taisho-era ironware

Dimensions: 7" Diameter x 8 3/4" H

Condition: Vintage condition with surface oxidation and interior rust consistent with age. Recommended primarily for display rather than regular water use.

A rare village-commissioned commemorative tetsubin that quietly carries both the aesthetic refinement of Japanese tea culture and the layered history of the Taisho era.

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.