Antique Japanese handmade cast iron kama kettle or pot, meant to heat water during tea ceremonies over a brazier or sunken hearth.

Ring handles

Unryu, or dragon and cloud motif, wraps around cylindrical body in low relief.

Unlined interior
Lugs affixed on each side hold the metal handles, known as kan.
Growing patina

Lid, with closed flower finial, created from forged copper (a trademark of Kyo, or Kyoto style, tetsubin).
Lid underside signed with chiseled characters reads Ryubundo-zo (Made by Ryubundo).

The legendary Kyoto metalwork foundry Ryubundo was first established in the early 18th century by Shiho Ryubun (1735-1798), and continued operations into the 20th century. While casting production has flourished in the area since the 12th century, the company pioneered tetsubin techniques by employing the wax casting method. 

Ryubundo development reached a boom during the middle Edo period (1603-1868), when tea culture grew across Japan, with this rise continuing into the late Meiji period (1868-1912).

Circa 1900-1930 

Measures approx. 6” to finial top

Growing patina. Oxidation to interior, base. (See pics)

Provenance: Please feel free to reach out for further information. I am happy to provide records upon request