Japanese Sake kettle. Circa 1860 (possibly earlier and of late Edo Period). Cast iron sake kettle with extremely rare cloisonné enamel lid. 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 flowers and berries. The original handle has a silver inlaid design of chrysanthemum and blossom. The lid is made of copper with cloisonné enamel decoration of abstract cloud motifs with peony and chrysanthemum. Beautifully finished with a cloisonne ''''ojime'''' type knob. This is extremely fine cloisonne work for the period. The cloisonne technique involves using metal or wire ‘fields’ (‘cloisons’) to enclose coloured enamel paste, ...