• A large, round, brown ceramic teapot with a lid sits on a wooden surface, with a window and a sign with Japanese characters in the background.
  • a wooden sign with Japanese characters next to a large brown ceramic pot on a wooden surface.
  • A large, round brown ceramic teapot with a lid sits on a wooden surface, with a window and a sign with Chinese characters visible in the background.
  • A brown ceramic tea pot with a lid sits on a wooden surface, with a blurred background that includes a window and a wall with Japanese characters.
  • A close-up image of a round, brown object with a metallic, textured surface, sitting on top of a round, brown object with a similar textured surface.
  • A close-up image of a textured brown surface with a floral pattern, featuring a few distinct flower-like designs.
  • a close-up view of a textured surface, possibly a piece of pottery or metal, with a carved symbol or text etched into it.
  • the inside of a brown ceramic container, possibly a teapot or vase, with a metal pattern visible inside.
  • A brown ceramic teapot with a lid sits on a wooden surface, with a window and a sign with Japanese characters in the background.
  • A brown ceramic teapot with a lid and spout sits on a wooden surface, with a window and a wooden beam in the background.
  • a close-up view of a metal surface with a distinctive symbol or logo carved into it.
  • A brown ceramic tea pot with a lid sits on a wooden table, with a window and a wooden beam visible in the background.
  • two ceramic objects placed on a wooden surface. One object is a large, round, brown ceramic piece, while the other is a smaller, round ceramic piece with a copper-like finish.
  • a close-up view of a red ceramic object with a metal flower-shaped knob on it, placed on a wooden surface.
  • a close-up view of a textured brown surface, possibly a bowl or a piece of pottery. There is a small, circular hole or blemish in the center of the surface.
  • A close-up image of a brown ceramic teapot with a lid and handle, featuring a decorative pattern on the top.
  • A close-up image of a dark brown ceramic bowl or vase with a hole in the center, placed on a wooden surface.
  • A brown ceramic tea pot with a lid sits on a wooden surface, with a window and a decorative object visible in the background.
  • A close-up view of a dark-colored ceramic vase or container with a metallic sheen, sitting on a wooden surface.
  • A close-up image of a dark brown ceramic bowl or vase with a floral design on its surface.
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Wabisabi Antiques

Japanese Cast Iron Tea Kettle, Copper Lid, Shinnari-gama, Sato Jokei Signature with box

Japanese Cast Iron Tea Kettle, Copper Lid, Shinnari-gama, Sato Jokei Signature with box

$598.00 USD
$0.00 USD $598.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Free shipping to the US, Western countries, Asia and Oceania

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Weight:

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Crafted in the Shinnari shape for formal chanoyu gatherings, the Japanese cast iron kettle shown here carries Sato Josei’s maker’s mark and a copper lid. Urushi lacquer seals the interior and exterior, resisting limescale while the rim displays a repeating shippo pattern and plum blossom relief on the body. Signed by an acclaimed maker trained under a Living National Treasure and honored by Daitoku-ji as Okamashi, the kettle includes its original tomobako box and is functional for tea ceremony use despite minor interior rust and small exterior discoloration. Weight, dimensions, and condition details follow for collectors and chanoyu practitioners below.



* Maker: Sato Josei artisan (maker’s mark inscribed)
* Shape: Shinnari kama shape (真形 Shinnari)
* Materials: cast iron body with copper lid; urushi lacquer finish
* Dimensions: H 8.3 in × W 10 in × D 9.8 in (approx H 21 cm × W 25.5 cm × D 25 cm)
* Weight: 137.3 oz (3900 g)
* Design: shippo (seven treasures) rim motif; plum blossom relief
* Includes: original signed wooden storage box (tomobako box kettle)
* Condition: very good — functional for tea ceremony; interior rust center and localized exterior discoloration



Craftsmanship & provenance

Sato Josei (1916–1996) trained under a Living National Treasure and was later recognized by Daitoku-ji Temple with the title Okamashi, reflecting deep mastery of chanoyu aesthetics. The maker’s inscription on the side and the signed tomobako confirm provenance and make this an authentic tea kettle for collectors who value documented workmanship and traditional technique.


Design details

The Shinnari kama shape is the preferred, formal silhouette in chanoyu, and this kettle exemplifies that profile with balanced proportions. The copper lid is finely formed and pairs with the cast iron body to regulate heat. The urushi lacquer finish on interior and exterior is a traditional choice that reduces limescale buildup and helps preserve the surface during use, characteristic of master craft kettle production.


Use, care, and handling

As a cast iron chanoyu item intended for actual use, this Japanese tea utensil performs well in a tea ceremony setting when maintained properly. After use, rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly; avoid harsh detergents and rapid temperature shocks that can stress metal and lacquer. The urushi lacquer finish helps ease cleaning, but surface care remains important to preserve the signature shippo pattern and plum blossom relief.


Condition notes

Overall condition is very good and the kettle is ready for use. There is rust in the center of the inside of the kettle that does not affect usability for tea ceremony; a small area of gray discoloration appears on the lower side and some rust-related discoloration is present on a portion of the side. These wear marks are consistent with age and use and are documented here for accuracy.


Who this kettle suits

Collectors of traditional tea kama, practitioners of chanoyu, and curators of vintage metal kettle pieces will value the combination of Sato Josei artisan signature, formal shinnari kama shape, and the included tomobako box. It functions as an authentic tea kettle for ceremony and also as a display-worthy Japanese tea utensil.

🌐 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: Is this chagama tea ceremony kettle usable for brewing hot water?

A: Yes — the kettle is functional for tea ceremony use. The listing notes minor interior rust that does not prevent use; follow care instructions to maintain the urushi lacquer finish and prevent further corrosion.


Q: Does the tomobako confirm authenticity?

A: The original signed wooden storage box (tomobako) and the maker’s inscription on the body support provenance for this Sato Josei artisan piece.


Q: What precautions are recommended for a cast iron chanoyu kettle?

A: Rinse with warm water after use, dry immediately, avoid soaps or detergents that can degrade lacquer, and do not subject the kettle to sudden temperature changes. The urushi lacquer finish reduces limescale but careful handling preserves appearance.


Q: Is this an antique iron teapot or a vintage metal kettle?

A: The kettle is a vintage-era work by Sato Josei (1916–1996) and is presented as an authentic tea kettle with documented maker attribution; the listing does not claim a specific antique classification.


Q: Can this traditional tea kama be displayed?

A: Yes. Its shippo motif, plum blossom relief, copper lid, and signed provenance make it suitable as a display piece and as a working Japanese tea utensil for chanoyu practice.

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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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