Japanese Tea Ceremony Objects

Ryukodo Dragon-Relief Tetsubin Iron Kettle

Silvered Spout (Attributed) • Purple-Copper Tone Lid • Decorative Handle Accents

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

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  Object type: Tetsubin (cast-iron tea kettle)


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  Primary material: Cast iron (body)


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  Decoration: Raised dragon relief around the shoulder


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  Lid: Purple-copper tone metal lid with finial (exact alloy unverified)


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  Spout: Silvered/overlaid finish described (attributed; confirm in hand)


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  Handle: Arched handle with decorative accents described as inlay-like (attributed)


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  Maker/attribution: Listed as Ryukodo (attribution per listing; marks not verified here)


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  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)

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  Approx size: 18 x 16 x 20 cm


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  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.

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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.