Offered for the first time, from a longtime collection, is this wonderful, rare Japanese Meiji period cast iron Tetsubin (tea kettle) in a pumpkin form with signed bronze lid. Most likely from the 1880s, this kettle is in excellent condition with no cracks or breaks. The rim has three equidistant indents that look formed and are not chips (see last photo). There is some light surface rust on the bottom and the interior.

Measuring about 8” tall and 6” across the widest, it is signed under the bronze lid. We tried several online translators with no luck. We especially like the craftsmanship in the lid’s gourd shaped finial.

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