Tetsubin Nambu Tekki de Ueda Terufusa, con forma de hoja de loto, relieve de cangrejo y tapa de hierro a juego

A crab emerges in full relief from rugged, rock-textured iron on this lotus-leaf form kettle attributed to the Iwate kettle maker Ueda Terufusa. With its matching iron lid and cannon-shaped spout, it serves as a sencha kettle and as a sculpture of the Nambu ironwork tradition.

The Piece

This kettle takes the uncommon 蓮葉形 (lotus-leaf form), an advanced casting style requiring sophisticated mold engineering and surface finishing. Its exterior evokes the rugged terrain of Iwate's landscape with expressive 岩肌 (rock-surface) textures that deepen shadow and catch light, and from this surface emerges a fully sculpted crab, a classic symbol in Japanese metalwork of vitality, water and seasonal change.

The kettle is attributed to Ueda Terufusa, a distinguished cast-iron artisan whose work is aligned with the high traditions of Nambu Tekki and often displays bold sculptural forms and detailed natural motifs. The silhouette is well balanced: a broad, rounded body with pronounced organic folds, a sturdy arching handle and a 砲口 (cannon-shaped spout) extending cleanly from the sculptural mass. The matching iron lid shows complementary surface treatment, with a simple knob in harmony with the rugged aesthetic.

Interior surfaces show firing and use-related patina appropriate to a vintage working tetsubin, and the underside displays casting signatures, oxidation tones and mineral traces consistent with Japanese water-boiling practice. Given its size, form and motif complexity, the kettle stands out among contemporary and mid-twentieth-century examples, serving both sencha ritual and art-object display.

Details

• Maker: Ueda Terufusa (attributed)
• Model: Lotus-leaf form iron kettle with crab motif (naturalistic motif tetsubin)
• Era: Shōwa–Heisei transitional period (based on style and craftsmanship)
• Origin: Iwate, Japan
• Material: Cast iron (Nambu Tekki tradition)
• Color: Dark brown/black iron patina with natural oxidation
• Measurements: 約19 cm (approx. 19 cm) diameter × approx. 20.7 cm height
• Weight: Approx. 2.0–3.2 kg
• Included: Matching iron lid; no other accessories
• Handle: Fixed arched iron handle, integral
• Marks: Mold marks on base; traditional casting identifiers

Condition

• Very good (VG): natural aging and mild wear, with excellent sculptural integrity; nothing detracts from function or display value.
• Exterior: mild oxidation patches and wear consistent with age; sculptural motifs remain crisp; strong natural oxidation overall.
• Interior: natural mineral patina from water boiling and use marks consistent with age; no structural breaches visible.
• Handle stable and secure; lid fits properly.
• Natural wear along the lotus edges; no cracks detected; iron body structurally sound.

Nambu Tekki Heritage

The Nambu Tekki tradition of Iwate Prefecture is among Japan's most esteemed metalworking lineages, dating to the 17th century. Its artisans uphold centuries-old methods of sand molding, multi-stage firing and hand-finishing to make kettles both resilient and expressive, and naturalist motifs such as lotus, crab and rocky terrain pay homage to the region's landscape and seasonal symbolism. The crab in particular has long been favored in Iwate ironwork.

Authenticity & Care

Attributed to Ueda Terufusa; the base carries mold marks and traditional casting identifiers. The attribution is offered subject to in-hand examination of the signature. Every piece is examined and documented in Japan before dispatch and is offered with the Japonista authenticity guarantee.

Delivery from Japan

Packed by hand in Japan and shipped insured and tracked by EMS or an equivalent express service. Import duties and taxes, where applicable, are payable on arrival. Returns follow our published policy.

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