Ueda Terufusa Iron Kettle · Lotus-Leaf Form with Crab Relief & Signed Iron Lid · Iwate Nambu Craft · Round Tetsubin for Sencha

A dramatic and sculpturally compelling lotus-leaf–form iron kettle by renowned Iwate-region kettle master Ueda Terufusa. Rich with naturalist relief work—including a three-dimensional crab motif emerging from rugged rock-textured surfaces—this tetsubin expresses the poetic interplay between nature, metal artistry, and traditional Japanese tea aesthetics. Equipped with its matching iron lid, this distinctive piece stands as both a functional sencha utensil and a museum-worthy ironwork sculpture.

DESCRIPTION

This kettle showcases a rare 蓮葉形 (lotus-leaf form), an advanced casting style requiring high-level mold engineering and surface finishing. Its exterior evokes the rugged terrain of Iwate’s natural landscape, complete with expressive 岩肌 (rock surface) textures that emphasize shadow depth and light reflection. Emerging organically from this surface is a fully sculpted crab—a classic symbol in Japanese metalwork representing vitality, water, and seasonal change.

The kettle is attributed to Ueda Terufusa, a distinguished cast-iron artisan whose works are aligned with the high traditions of Nambu Tekki. His pieces often display bold sculptural forms and detailed natural motifs, placing them in the upper tier of collectible modern ironwork.

The kettle’s silhouette is well-balanced: a broad, rounded body with pronounced organic folds, a sturdy arching handle, and a 砲口 (cannon-shaped spout) that extends cleanly from the sculptural mass. The accompanying iron lid shows complementary surface treatments, with a simple knob that harmonizes with the rugged aesthetic.

Interior surfaces show firing and use-related patina appropriate for a vintage functional tetsubin. The underside displays classic casting signatures, oxidation tones, and mineral traces consistent with Japanese water-boiling practices.

This tetsubin functions not only as a sencha tool but also as a statement piece, merging sculptural metalwork with functional tea culture. Given its size, form, and motif complexity, it stands out among contemporary and mid-20th-century kettles.

SPECIFICATIONS / ITEM DETAILS

• Model: Lotus-leaf–form iron kettle with crab motif

• Reference: naturalistic motif tetsubin）

• Material: Cast iron (Nambu Tekki tradition)

• Hardware: Integral handle; matching iron lid

• Color: Dark brown/black iron patina with natural oxidation

• Dimensions: 約19 cm diameter × approx. 20.7 cm height

• Handle/Strap: Fixed arched iron handle

• Shoulder Drop: N/A

• Weight: Not provided; estimated 2.0–3.2 kg

• Accessories Included: None

• Production Grade: VG (natural aging, mild wear, excellent sculptural integrity)

• Production Era: Shōwa–Heisei transitional period (based on style and craftsmanship)

• Code/SN Style: Mold marks on base; traditional casting identifiers

• Notes: Strong natural oxidation; interior use marks consistent with age.

HIGHLIGHTS & FEATURES

• Sculptural lotus-leaf form with rugged natural textures

• Prominent crab relief motif—highly collectible naturalist detail

• Signed work by respected kettle master Ueda Terufusa

• Matching iron lid included

• Nambu Tekki casting quality

• Powerful tea culture artifact with decorative impact

• Organic silhouette ideal for sencha and interior display

CONDITION REPORT

• Exterior: Mild oxidation patches; wear consistent with age; sculptural motifs remain crisp.

• Interior: Natural mineral patina from water boiling; no structural breaches visible.

• Hardware: Handle stable and secure; lid fits properly.

• Edges / Corners: Natural wear along lotus edges; no cracks detected.

• Structure: Iron body structurally sound.

• Accessories: None included.

Condition-adjusted notes: Typical aging and oxidation expected of vintage tetsubin; no detractors from functionality or display value.

WHY COLLECTORS WANT THIS PIECE

Collectors value this kettle due to:

• Rare organic sculptural form, uncommon among modern tetsubin

• Naturalistic crab motif, historically favored in ironworks from Iwate

• Ueda Terufusa attribution, boosting provenance and craft pedigree

• Ideal for both sencha ritual use and art-object display

• Strong representation of Nambu Tekki craftsmanship

• Excellent size and dramatic presence

• Increasing global demand for sculptural Japanese iron kettles

This piece fits squarely into the collector-grade tier of decorative-functional Japanese metalworks.

HERITAGE

The Nambu Tekki tradition of Iwate Prefecture is among Japan’s most esteemed metalworking lineages, dating back to the 17th century. Artisans such as Ueda Terufusa uphold centuries-old casting methods—sand molding, multi-stage firing, and hand-finishing—to produce kettles both structurally resilient and artistically expressive. Naturalist motifs like lotus, crab, and rocky terrain pay homage to the region’s landscapes and seasonal symbolism, emphasizing the philosophical connection between tea culture and nature.

AUTHENTICITY & GUARANTEE

Evaluated under the Japonista Authentication Framework™:

• Casting analysis and surface-study comparison

• Motif verification (crab, lotus-leaf sculptural detailing)

• Patina and oxidation aging review

• Mold-mark consistency checks

• Handle and lid metallurgy inspection

• Interior firing and mineral pattern confirmation

Guaranteed 100% Authentic. Covered by the Japonista Lifetime Authenticity Warranty™.

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