Heavy cast iron chagama 茶釜 (iron tea kettle)

Heavy & great cast iron chagama 茶釜 (iron tea kettle) and dome-shaped patinated bronze furo 風炉 (portable brazier to boil water for tea) by the artist Kanaya Jyôun 金谷 浄雲 (1933-?).

The chagama completed with a bronze lid with a knob shaped like a kiku 菊 (chrysanthemum. On the sides there are two subtle stylized dragonhead-shaped open ears with a pair of ‘kan’ 鐶 (open spirals of heavy metal wire twisted into a kettle and used to lift it).

The kettle part is resting on the rim of the stove which stands on three tapered feet. This rim is decorated with a lovely open worked design of circles and petals. The furo has two openings, which are positioned opposite of each other, both in the shape of a stylized Buddhist flame. The furo has a beautiful patina starting in a warm light brown hue transcending into dark brown at the bottom.
The furo is sealed at the bottom ‘Jyôun’ 浄雲.

The chagama and furo are in a very good original condition with minimal traces of wear. Please look at the photos for a condition reference. The kettle has been tested to see if it leaks, but there no leakage.

Approx. size:
Together: height 33 cm
Kama: height 19 cm, diameter 19.5 cm
Furo: height 21 cm, diameter 31 cm
Total weight Chagama: 8.5 kg
Period: Japan – Late Shôwa period (Late 20th century).
Including original signed and sealed tomobako 供箱 (storage box).

The term “chagama” 茶釜 refers to a metal pot or kettle used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Within the tea room, the kama, or chagama, is heated either on a portable brazier 風炉 (furo) or in a sunken hearth (ro), depending on the season. During spring and summer, the portable “furo” is utilized. At the side an opening is positioned in such a way to ensure proper ventilation and maintain the steady burn of the sumi, or charcoal. These arrangements and practices are observed to facilitate the ceremonial preparation of tea.

When shipped we will add a certificate of authenticity.