Modern Zhiyi Tang Textured Round Antique Cast Iron Kettle

拍品描述

Dimensions: Maximum width of the body is 23 cm (9.06 inches), total height including handle is 24 cm (9.45 inches), total weight is 2145 grams, 19th-20th century. Condition and Provenance: The cast iron kettle is intact and undamaged, with no pinholes, leaks, cracks, or repair marks. The original hailstone pattern is fully preserved, without excessive polishing or refurbishment. The original cast iron arched handle is sturdy and undeformed, firmly attached to the shoulder of the kettle without looseness. The matching brass lid and spherical knob are original, and the gilded inscription "Zhiyitang" on the inside of the lid is clearly visible, without fading or wear. The spout is unobstructed, and the edge of the spout is intact and undamaged. The bottom of the kettle is flat, showing natural rust from long-term use in tea ceremonies, without chemical corrosion or artificial texture treatment. This cast iron kettle was originally in the collection of an antique tea utensil dealer in Tokyo, and later acquired by a private collector of Oriental tea utensils residing in Manhattan, New York. Description: This cast iron kettle, adorned with a hailstone pattern, is a classic water-boiling vessel used in the traditional Japanese sencha (tea ceremony) ritual. Handcrafted by Chigeido Workshop in Japan, it is a modern creation with a hailstone texture. The kettle body is crafted using a one-piece sand casting process, resulting in a smooth, rounded shape that perfectly embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi. The exterior is covered with a hand-forged hailstone pattern, featuring dense, irregular granular lines that create distinct layers and a natural, flowing design. The high-temperature casting process creates varying shades of bronze rust, giving it a rugged, authentic feel. In addition to its unique visual appeal, the hailstone pattern effectively reduces limescale buildup when boiling water. The curved cast iron handle is forged in one piece, featuring an ergonomic design for a comfortable grip. Riveted to two shoulder lugs, it ensures stability and durability, remaining secure even after decades of use. It comes with an original solid brass flat lid topped with a solid brass spherical knob for easy, non-slip grip and lifting. Opening the lid reveals the clearly engraved, gilded vertical characters "智益堂" (Chii-ido) on the inside, the strokes neat and crisp. This is Chii-ido's official authentication mark and a sign of authenticity. The short, curved spout pours smoothly and stops cleanly without dripping, while the thick cast iron inner wall effectively prevents clogging and rust. The flat, round base allows for stable placement on charcoal stoves and electric ceramic stoves, making it convenient for everyday boiling water. Chii-ido was a highly respected iron kettle workshop in western Japan during the modern era, renowned for its rustic ironware, including pieces with hailstone and tortoise-shell patterns. Their kettles are made from pure iron ore, softening tap water and enhancing the flavor of brewed tea. This kettle retains all original parts, without any replacements, perfectly preserving the natural marks of use. It possesses a triple value: practical daily tea-making functionality, aesthetic appeal in an oriental tea room, and collectible value as a piece of Japanese metalwork. It is highly sought after by antique teaware collectors in North America. Complete Hailstone iron kettles produced by Zhiyitang are relatively rare, making them a core collectible for tea ware enthusiasts.

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