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Ryukodo Cast Iron Tetsubin Tea Kettle with Cloud & Dragon Relief, Edo–Meiji Tradition
Ryukodo Cast Iron Tetsubin Tea Kettle with Cloud & Dragon Relief, Edo–Meiji Tradition
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Ryukodo Dragon-Relief Tetsubin Iron Kettle
A compact, weighty tetsubin iron kettle defined by a raised dragon relief band running around the shoulder - a water-maker emblem suited to a vessel whose purpose is the transformation of water into steam, warmth, and ritual rhythm.
The spout is described as silvered/overlaid; the term can indicate plating, wash, overlay, or a brightened finish and is treated here as an attributed visual feature unless verified in hand. The lid presents as a contrasting purple-copper tone metal, giving the kettle a deliberate mixed-material presence.
MATERIAL, PERIOD & ATTRIBUTION
- Object type: Tetsubin (cast-iron tea kettle)
- Primary material: Cast iron (body)
- Decoration: Raised dragon relief around the shoulder
- Lid: Purple-copper tone metal lid with finial (exact alloy unverified)
- Spout: Silvered/overlaid finish described (attributed; confirm in hand)
- Handle: Arched handle with decorative accents described as inlay-like (attributed)
- Maker/attribution: Listed as Ryukodo (attribution per listing; marks not verified here)
- Period: Unspecified; best treated as vintage/antique tea object pending mark review
CONDITION (VISIBLE / REPORTED)
- General wear consistent with age and handling
- Scratches and surface soiling reported
- Interior oxidation/rust reported (functional status untested)
DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT (ESTIMATED)
- Approx size: 18 x 16 x 20 cm
- Approx weight: 1.6 kg
Collector Relevance
For collectors who prioritize iconography and mixed-material presence in tea objects: the dragon relief gives the kettle a sculptural silhouette, while the contrasting lid and described spout finish push it toward display-grade character within a tetsubin grouping.
Confidence & Verification Notes
- Silvered spout and inlay-like handle details are treated as attributed based on listing language/photos; confirm via in-hand inspection.
- Maker attribution Ryukodo is accepted as listed; confirm via signature/mark if present.
AUTHENTICITY & GUARANTEE
Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:
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Casting analysis and surface-study comparison
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Motif verification
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Patina and oxidation aging review
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Mold-mark consistency checks
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Handle and lid metallurgy inspection
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Interior firing and mineral pattern confirmation
Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.
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Curatorial Footer: Tetsubin occupy the boundary between daily use and ritual culture in Japanese tea practice.
