† RYUBUNDO: AN IRON ‘MAGNOLIA AND FULL MOON’ TETSUBIN (TEA KETTLE)

拍品描述

† RYUBUNDO: AN IRON ‘MAGNOLIA AND FULL MOON’ TETSUBIN (TEA KETTLE) By Ryubundo, signed Ryubundo zo with kakihan Japan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868–1912) Boldly cast, the octagonal body rising from a flat base through angular shoulders to a subtly waisted neck and broad circular mouth, fitted with a cover surmounted by a patinated bronze melon-form finial. One side is applied with a slender, upturned spout, and the shoulders support a hinged overhead handle. The exterior is decorated in relief with opposing pictorial panels of flowering branches, one depicting magnolia silhouetted against a full moon. The narrower sides are cast with diagonal herringbone patterns, while the adjoining panels are embellished with rows of raised bosses and the shoulders with abstract scrolling designs. The underside of the cover is inscribed RYUBUNDO zo [made by Ryubundo] and with a kakihan (artist’s cursive monogram). WEIGHT 1,824 g HEIGHT 21.8 cm, WIDTH 15.7 cm Ryubundo represents one of the two main schools of tetsubin in Kyoto, the other being Kinjudo. Founded by Shikata Yasunosuke (1786-1841) who took the name Ryubundo when he moved from Tamba Province to Kyoto, the eight consecutive generations of Ryubundo cover nearly a century and continued to make iron kettles from the end of the Edo period to the 33rd year of Showa (1958). The company was famous for their high-quality tetsubin made during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Tetsubin are cast iron kettlesused for boiling and pouring water for tea. Traditionally, they are heated over charcoal, and many feature intricate designs, often adorned with inlaid metals or raised patterns. While the exact origins of their form remain unclear, it is thought to have emerged sometime in the 1500s. Many tea enthusiasts claim that water boiled in an iron tetsubin enhances the flavor of tea. Older tetsubin often have visible mineral deposits inside from repeated use, which are believed to contribute to the taste of water. Auction comparison: Compare a related iron tetsubin, decorated with peony sprays in high relief, the inside of the lid signed Ryubundo, Meiji period, late 19th to early 20th century, 12 cm high, at Bonhams, Asian Art, London, 4 November 2025, lot 436 (mid-estimate ate GBP 4,000 or approx. EUR 4,800 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.

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