Japanese Sake kettle. Edo Period. Circa 1850. Cast iron sake kettle with extremely rare cloisonné enamel lid. Very similar item in V&A Museum Collection (1750 - 1850).Price for single Sake Kettle (rare matching pair available).This type of iron kettle, with its distinctive shaped spout, was used during the cold winter months for heating sake (Japanese rice wine). The cast iron body has been patinated to a dark russet shade through a pickling process involving hot plum wine. It is decorated in low relief with mythological birds. The original handle has a silver inlaid design of chrysanthemum blossom.The lid is made of copper with cloisonné enamel decoration of abstract motifs with silver ''ojime'' type knob. The underside of lid silverised over copper - an unusual fine design and finish. The cloisonne technique involves using metal or wire ‘fields’ (‘cloisons’) to enclose coloured enamel paste, which is then fired and polished. The type of cloisonné on the lid is typical of ...