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Updated: 5 Dec 2024

Japanese Iron Kettle
Tetsubin (Tea Tool-36)

$401.27

DELIVERY TIME: Approx. 5-14 DAYS
*There might be delay in shipment depending on countries.

Title: Kani Zu Tetsubin

Material: iron

Diameter Height Weight
14.5cm 14.5cm 2,047g

You can enlarge all the photos to see the detail of the item.

In stock

SKU: Tea Tool-36 Categories: ,

Title: Kani Zu Tetsubin

Description
 This item is a Tetsubin (鉄瓶, iron kettle). It is a cast iron appliance for boiling water. It evolved from a tea kettle and has a spout and a string. There are shapes such as round, cylindrical, and flat round. One of the most famous types of ironware is the Nanbu Tekki (南部鉄器, Nenbu ironware). However, Japan has many production areas, and each region has its own characteristics and history.

 Iron kettles could be broadly categorized into the rustic style of the Nanbu style and the highly decorative Kansai (関西) style of iron kettles. Nanbu Tetsubins (南部鉄瓶) are iron kettles made mainly in Morioka City (盛岡市) and other areas, using traditional and advanced cast iron and techniques. They are characterized by their rugged iron skin and unadorned style. The lid is made of iron, the knob is integrated, and the skin is often black, and it is mainly used for everyday use.

 On the other hand, Kansai Tetsubins (関西鉄瓶) are made in the Kansai region (Kyoto, Osaka, and Shiga). Many of them are delicately constructed, and their main feature is that they could be used for everyday use and tea ceremonies. While Nanbu iron kettles are mainly made only of iron, Kyoto iron kettles have strings and lids made of copper, have a variety of knobs, and are often decorated with inlays and other decorations, reflecting the characteristics of Kyoto culture. Due to its beautiful shape, it is popular among collectors for viewing purposes.

 The most distinctive feature of the design is the crab. You would find the figure of a crab. Flowers are engraved on the other side of this kettle. The lid and handle seem to be made of copper, and based on the characteristics mentioned above of ironware, this iron kettle is probably a Kansai-style item. Crabs have behavior that they walk sideways. Therefore, they were compared to Oukou Kunshi (横行君子), which means to stick to one’s intention against authority. Samurai warriors might have felt the strong will from this motif that they would not bow before power. The overall design of this work appears to depict a calm landscape, so we are not saying they were necessarily conscious of this meaning. Instead, it is a design that can be enjoyed by relating it to samurai culture.

 *As this item is an antique, please check each photo and ensure its condition.




【About us】
 Samurai Museum is located in Tokyo, Japan, exhibiting antique artifacts related to the Samurai history. Samurai Museum Shop is the place for those who are interested in Japanese culture and craftsmanship. We deal with antique Samurai swords/armor, traditional crafts made in Japan and so on.

【Payment method】
 We accept payment through Stripe (Credit card), PayPal, Apple Pay or ChromePay, all of which are secure payment methods. Also, you don’t need to make an account on Stripe for the checkout. If you prefer other payment method, please contact us. You may either pay in JPY, USD, AUD, CAD, EUR, CHF or GBP. The price is set in Japanese Yen. Prices in other currencies are automatically calculated based on the latest exchange rate. 

【Shipping duration】
 We normally ship via EMS (Express Mail Service) provided by Japan Post. It usually takes at least 5-14 days to deliver the package after you place an order. 

 We offer Free International Shipping as long as we can ship your order by EMS. If you prefer other shipping carriers, please contact us.  
 We will inform you of the order’s tracking number via email. Please make sure you fill out your valid email address correctly. 

*Please keep in mind that due to the spread of COVID-19, there might be possible delays in delivery. If you like to make sure if EMS shipping is available to your country, please contact us.

【How to make sure the condition】
 Please keep in mind that what you are going to purchase is an antique item. We uploaded high resolution photos for you to check its condition thoroughly. If you like to see more photos with different angles, please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to send them to you so that you can make informed decision. 

 It is essential for us to know that you are happy with your choice of antique item and we are prepared to use the best of our ability to serve you.

 

 Would you like see some more antique items for sale? Please check the link below. We hope you can find your favorite item.
https://www.samuraimuseum.jp/shop/product-category/antique/

In stock

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