** This item is made hand so it may have a little difference in color and drape. It may take time (a few weeks) from your order to shipping. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.**

PLEASE NOTE:
- This is a brand new arts and crafts item that was carefully created by a traditional Japanese artist.
- This is not an antique product.
- 100% made and crafted in Japan.
- It is not a one of a kind only production.

Takaoka Iron Kettle

Takaoka Iron Kettles are iron kettles produced in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.
The biggest feature of the Takaoka Iron Kettle is a unique technique known as "Wax Casting" which creates a beautiful background pattern.
It's history dates back to more than 400 years ago and its delicate yet dynamic technique has been passed on generation after generation by Takaoka craftsmen.


Artist: SHOBEI

This product is created by skilled craftsmen with the supervision of "Shobei" who represent the Takaoka Iron.
Each craftsman has his own role in each step such as fabricating parts or finishing up the art work, and they spend an enormous amount of time and effort to create this one of a kind product.

Body: After casting, firing and original coloring is applied to make this product solid and strong.
Handle: Manufactured using wrought iron for its form and flexibility. There is no other kind to compare.
Lid: Perfectly weighed lid is something that Takaoka Iron is famous for. Enjoy the color change as it ages.


[about SHOBEI]
Born in 1943, living in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture
He became independent in 1971 to set up a studio in Takaoka City.

He has been specializing in cast iron kettles and tea ceremony utensil creations since then.
He has received varying awards of exhibitions and contests.


Inlay

Beautiful gold and silver inlays are one of the Takaoka Iron Kettle’s biggest features as well.
A craftsman fits gold and silver leaf on each metal surface to create delicate and luxurious work.
This cannot be achieved by mass production, Takaoka Iron Kettles are truly gems of arts and crafts.

[Inlaying Methods]
There are two inlaying methods:

- Nunome Zogan (Fabric Pattern Inlay)
Created by small scratch like fabric patterns on the surface and the application gold and silver leaf.
This method is commonly used for creating gorgeous patterns with gold and silver.

- Sen Zogan (Wire Inlay)
Create lines on the surface that embeds finely cut silver leaf.
This method makes the patterns’ outline or edge effectively stand out.



About the Patterns

Hojyu (Cintamani) Chrysanthemum Pattern with gold and silver inlay

This elegant iron kettle has a relatively round body with a butterfly at the front, and chrysanthemum at the back. The unique and delicate surface has beautiful gold and silver inlayed using Nuzome Zogan (Fabric Pattern Inlay) method. The difference in texture between the chrysanthemum pedals, leaves and butterfly's wings are carefully expressed in three-dimension.

To add more elegance, the handle has a silver inlay of the Collection of Treasures. The lid has a "browned" finish by the copper coloring technique of Takaoka and nicely matches with the background of the kettle body. The color changes beautifully as it ages. This is a master piece that one can enjoy for a long period of time.

PRODUCT INFO

Country: Takaoka city, Toyama pref, Japan
Grade: Imperial
Size:H21 * W16.5 cm (H8.27 * W6.5 inc)
Volume: 1.35 Liter
Weight: 1.5 kg / 3.31 lbs
Material:
- Body: Iron
- Inlays: Real Gold and silver leaf
- Lid: Copper (Reddish Color Base)
- Handle: Iron (Forged)
Wooden Box:
- Comes with a note of authenticity
- Box Weight: 1.5 kg / 3.3 lbs