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Wabisabi Antiques

Antique Japanese Tetsubin, Cast Iron Kettle 18cm H x 22cm W Brass

Antique Japanese Tetsubin, Cast Iron Kettle 18cm H x 22cm W Brass

$220.00 USD
$0.00 USD $220.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Free shipping to the US, Western countries, Asia and Oceania

Size:

Weight:

Material:

Crafted in heavy cast iron with a brass lid and handle, relief waves and carp adorn this Antique Japanese Tetsubin from the late Edo period. The kettle measures approximately H 18cm × W 22cm × D 16cm and weighs 1180 g, presenting a vintage cast iron pot with a raised-wave motif and a brass-knob lid. Historically used as a choshi sake server, the piece now functions as an iron tea kettle or decorative home display piece. It shows age-appropriate wear—surface rust inside and on parts of the bottom, minor scratches, and a developed patina that highlights the handcrafted metal art.



* Dimensions: H 18cm × W 22cm × D 16cm (H 7.1in × W 8.7in × D 6.3in)
* Weight: 1180 g (41.5 oz)
* Material: cast iron with brass lid and handle
* Period: late Edo period — Edo period decor and rare iron craft
* Original use: choshi sake server; now suitable as an iron tea kettle or traditional tea vessel
* Condition: good vintage condition with internal rust, bottom rust, small scratches, and patina
* Included: antique kettle only — nothing else included



Condition and authenticity

This Antique Japanese Tetsubin is an original late Edo period piece with visible evidence of age that supports its provenance. Surface details include the raised relief of waves and carp across the body and a brass knob on the lid; those handcrafted metal art details are consistent with artisan metalware practices of the time. The interior and portions of the base show rust from long-term use and storage, and there are small scratches and dirt from aging. Despite those signs, the kettle remains functional for use as a vintage cast iron pot.


Use as a tea brewing tool or display

Originally cataloged as a choshi sake server, this old metal teapot adapts well to contemporary use. It can serve as an iron tea kettle for brewing smaller amounts of tea—especially when used for decorative, Zen aesthetic decor setups—or as a home display piece on a shelf, alcove, or tea room. When used to brew tea, note that internal rust and patina affect flavor; follow care instructions below to minimize transfer and preserve the kettle.


Care and handling for cast iron

- Before first use for brewing: thoroughly clean by rinsing with hot water and gently scrubbing loose rust with a soft brush; dry completely and season lightly if you intend to heat water in it.
- For display: avoid humid storage to reduce further corrosion; a soft dry cloth will preserve the brass and cast iron finishes.
- Do not use soap or abrasive chemicals that could alter the patina; do not place the kettle on direct high flames without confirming suitability for heating. These care steps respect the kettle’s status as both a rare iron craft object and a functional iron tea kettle.

Visual and stylistic notes

The raised-wave and carp relief work gives the piece a strong Japanese aesthetic rooted in Edo period decor. The combination of heavy cast iron body and warm brass lid creates contrast appropriate for Zen aesthetic decor, traditional tea vessel displays, or curated vintage collections of artisan metalware. As a handcrafted metal art object, it reads as both sculptural and utilitarian.

🌐 ーーー SHOP POLICIES ーーー

🌐 International Buyers: Standard DDU terms. Custom duties/taxes are the buyer's responsibility upon delivery.

✈️ SHIPPING

• Free Shipping: To US, Europe, and most areas. 

• Surcharges: May apply to Australia, NZ, or remote areas for heavy/large items only. We will contact you before shipping (Full refund if canceled). Small/light items always ship free worldwide.

• Courier: Securely shipped via DHL, FedEx, EMS, or Japan Post with tracking. Carrier is selected by the shop; buyers cannot specify. Urgent upgrades available (please message us before buying).

📦 COMBINED SHIPPING

• We combine shipping for multiple purchases whenever safe. Any realized shipping savings will be promptly refunded to you after packaging.

🛡️ RETURNS & CONDITION

• Returns: Accepted within 7 days. Buyer pays round-trip shipping costs and processing fees for buyer's remorse.

• Condition: Our items are authentic antiques/vintage. Naturally, they carry signs of age (scratches/wear). Please examine all photos carefully before purchasing.


FAQ

Q: Can this Antique Japanese Tetsubin be used to boil water for tea?

A: The kettle is described as fully functional for use, but because there is interior rust, clean and season the interior before heating water; take precautions and monitor for any unusual taste. This guidance supports safe use as a tea brewing tool.


Q: Is the kettle original to the Edo period?

A: The listing states the piece is crafted during the late Edo period; visual signs of age—patina, scratches, and rust—correspond with that period and with rare iron craft characteristics.


Q: What is included with the purchase?

A: Only the cast iron kettle with its brass lid and handle is included; no additional cups, tray, or accessories are provided.


Q: How should I display the kettle?

A: Use it as a home display piece in a tea room alcove, on a shelf with Zen aesthetic decor, or as part of an antique collection of traditional tea vessels and artisan metalware.


Q: Are there restoration options for the rust?

A: Light cleaning and professional conservation can reduce active corrosion while preserving patina; for functional heating, thorough cleaning and seasoning are recommended to mitigate rust impact on brewed tea.

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Shipping

Though we ship items free to most addresses in USA and Europe, we may ask to pay additional fee for shipping to remote addresses where DHL/FedEx apply. Any orders can be cancelled in this case.

Combined shipping is available for purchase two and more items.Please contact in detail before ordering to avoid several payment transactions.

Due to increase of shipping fee to Australia and New Zealand, free shipping is not applied for orders to be shipped there from 1st, September 2024. We will inform customers of additional fee after receiving orders. Items will not be shipped until customers reply and in case there is no agreement with the tariff, orders will be cancelled.

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