Cast Iron Teapot with Dragon Handle & Wood Grain Texture, Modern Era, 20th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: 18 cm (7.09 inches) in total height, 1532 g net weight, 20th-century modern piece. Condition and Provenance: This teapot was cast in one piece using the lost-wax method, resulting in a thick, dense body covered with a uniform layer of natural black rust oxide. The wood grain on the surface is clear and intact, without acid washing, polishing, or artificial aging treatment. A one-piece coiled dragon handle extends upwards from the back wall of the pot, with the dragon's body adorned with layered, three-dimensional scale reliefs. The dragon's head is carved with lifelike detail; the horns, whiskers, fangs, and other details are complete and undamaged, without any missing parts, cracks, or welding marks. The dragon handle and pot body were completely fused during the casting process, without any cracks or seams. The outer surface of the pot body is decorated with horizontal wood grain reliefs, showcasing a natural, uneven texture. The short, wide spout is smooth and unobstructed, without any blockages, chips, or dents. The original matching lid is in excellent condition, its hammered texture complementing the shape of the spout. The cloud-shaped knob is intact, and the lid's edge fits snugly against the body without deformation or curling. The bottom is flat, with a square cast seal script character clearly legible in the center. The rough casting texture of the bottom retains its original unpolished state. The interior is clean, without rust holes or leaks. The inner wall has a smooth, natural oxide layer formed from long-term use, without any signs of repair. The entire teapot is free of repairs, damage, or cracks. All carvings and textural details are well-preserved, with only slight natural wear, befitting its gentle age. This teapot was originally made in a cast iron teapot workshop in southern Japan and entered the North American teaware market in the early 21st century. It is currently in the collection of a private collector residing in Pennsylvania, USA, who specializes in East Asian teaware. New York State and Vancouver are major market centers for various antique teaware. Description: This modern cast iron teapot with a dragon handle is a masterpiece of classic East Asian tea ceremony utensils, crafted using the precise lost-wax casting process. The flat, rounded body boasts soft, balanced lines and is specifically designed for boiling water. Its most striking feature is the one-piece coiled dragon handle, curving upwards from the back of the pot to form a comfortable grip. The dragon's body is covered with distinct, three-dimensional scales, and the exquisitely carved dragon head extends forward to the spout, its eyes gleaming, fangs exposed, and horns upright. The lifelike carving combines dignified and elegant symbolism with everyday practicality, offering a comfortable and stable grip. The outer wall of the pot is decorated with horizontal natural wood grain, resembling antique wood, creating a striking contrast with the short, straight spout, ensuring smooth pouring and preventing splashing. The original cast iron lid completes the set, with hammered patterns on the lid contrasting sharply with the wood grain of the pot. The small, cloud-patterned knob is easy to lift, and the straight rim ensures a tight seal without deformation. The bottom of the teapot retains the original rough texture of the casting sand, and a square workshop seal is imprinted in the center, a key identifying mark of its provenance. The inner wall of the teapot develops a uniform matte black mineral patina due to traditional brewing methods. The cast iron material releases trace amounts of minerals to soften the water, one of the core advantages of Japanese teaware. The dragon image carries auspicious symbolism in Eastern tea culture. This teapot perfectly blends biomimetic dragon sculpture, natural wood grain relief, and traditional cast iron craftsmanship, remaining well-preserved with clearly visible carving details. It serves both a practical function of boiling water and possesses extremely high decorative value, making it a highly recognizable and premium collectible among modern East Asian cast iron teaware. It is ideal for exhibitions in tea culture museums and a coveted classic for international antique teaware collectors.

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