Vintage Japanese Tetsubin Iron Kettle - 1950s Showa Era (25D-178-2)

Vintage Japanese Tetsubin Kettle, Iron, Showa Era (SKU 25D-178-2)

Compact Showa-era tetsubin with rustic hammered texture and calligraphic band

This vintage Japanese iron kettle, or tetsubin, presents a beautifully rounded body with a softly arched fixed handle and a simple flat lid crowned by a spherical finial. The surface is finished in a deep, time-softened brown-black patina, enriched by a fine, pebbled texture that speaks to years of careful use and handling in the Japanese tea tradition.

A subtle horizontal band encircles the midsection, within which lightly raised characters and motifs emerge from the iron, adding quiet visual interest without disturbing the kettle’s understated profile. Ideal as a functional piece for heating water over charcoal or a modern stove with appropriate care, it also displays elegantly as an authentic accent in a chashitsu or wabi-sabi inspired interior.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: Showa period (mid 20th century)
• Material: Cast iron
• Use: Traditional tetsubin for heating water for tea or decorative display
• Features: Rounded compact form; arched fixed handle; flat iron lid with spherical knob; pebbled surface; incised/cast calligraphic band; rich vintage patina
• Dimensions: 6" Diameter x 7 1/2"H
• Condition: Very good vintage condition with age-appropriate surface wear and interior oxidation typical of an older tetsubin

A characterful Showa-era iron kettle that brings the quiet depth of Japanese tea culture to any collection or display.

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.