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ID #SA1182816
FOR SALE
£1,750
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Rare Japanese Sake Kettle with Cloisonne Lid. Edo Period. Circa 1860.
Dragoncharger Antiques
for sale €2,048     $2,223
£1,750

Dragoncharger Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024
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    Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.
Id #SA1182816
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Rare Japanese Sake Kettle with Cloisonne Lid. Edo Period. Circa 1860.

19th century
Description

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, which is then fired and polished. The type of cloisonné on the lid is typical of the workmanship in the Nagoya area of Japan around 1870, once they had refined their cloisonne enameling technique.

Condition: Excellent original condition and superbly patinated.

Priced for 1 Sake Kettle. Please ask if you wish to purchase the matching pair (currently available). Notably, a matching pair of Japanese sake kettles, known as choshi or otoso sets, historically played an important central role in formal ceremonies, particularly weddings and New Year''s celebrations, symbolizing unity and well-wishes. The matching pair itself emphasizes harmony and the coming together of two elements. Also, etiquette required sake to be readily available hence often warmed in pairs.

Dimensions

Including handle height: 15.3cm

Including spout width: 19.8cm

Physical Dimensions
Height
15.3cm (6.02")
Width
19.8cm (7.80")
Depth
12.7cm (5.00")
Declaration

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Edo Period Sake Kettle to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1182816
Dealers Internal Reference
D:90003
Description
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).
Dragoncharger Antiques

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.

fig 1. A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid.
fig 1. Rare Japanese Sake Kettle with Cloisonne Lid. Edo Period. Circa 1860.

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, which is then fired and polished. The type of cloisonné on the lid is typical of the workmanship in the Nagoya area of Japan around 1870, once they had refined their cloisonne enameling technique.

fig 2. A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid.
fig 2. Rare Japanese Sake Kettle with Cloisonne Lid. Edo Period. Circa 1860.

Condition: Excellent original condition and superbly patinated.

Priced for 1 Sake Kettle. Please ask if you wish to purchase the matching pair (currently available). Notably, a matching pair of Japanese sake kettles, known as choshi or otoso sets, historically played an important central role in formal ceremonies, particularly weddings and New Year''s celebrations, symbolizing unity and well-wishes. The matching pair itself emphasizes harmony and the coming together of two elements. Also, etiquette required sake to be readily available hence often warmed in pairs.

Dimensions

Including handle height: 15.3cm

Including spout width: 19.8cm

Height
15.3cm (6.02")
Width
19.8cm (7.80")
Depth
12.7cm (5.00")
Date of Manufacture

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Edo Period Sake Kettle to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1182816
Dealers Internal Ref
D:90003
Dragoncharger Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024

Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dragoncharger Antiques Profile Page

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A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid.
1 / 15
Archive I A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid.

Rare Japanese Sake Kettle with Cloisonne Lid. Edo Period. Circa 1860.

Archive II A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View II
Archive III A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View III
Archive IV A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View IV
Archive V A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View V
Archive VI A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View VI
Archive VII A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View VII
Archive VIII A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View VIII
Archive IX A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View IX
Archive X A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View X
Archive XI A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View XI
Archive XII A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View XII
Archive XIII A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View XIII
Archive XIV A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View XIV
Archive XV A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07974 144321
Location
Bristol
United Kingdom
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 150
Items Sold 17
Dragoncharger Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
150
Sold
17
A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid.
Rare Japanese Sake Kettle With Cloisonne Lid. Edo Period. Circa 1860.
Ref: SA1182816
A dark cast-iron Japanese sake kettle featuring raised floral relief details, an overhead handle, a short spout, and a colourful cloisonne enamel lid.
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Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

A sake kettle, historically known as a choushi or tetsubin variant, was crafted in Japan during the Edo period (16031867) to heat and serve sake during formal gatherings and tea ceremonies.

These vessels were primarily cast from iron or bronze, frequently fitted with overhead wrought handles and finished with decorative lids showcasing cloisonne enamelling, gilt work, or chased metalwork motifs.

Authentic Edo era metalware demonstrates traditional sand-casting texture, hand-wrought iron handles, natural patination or oxidisation, and hand-applied enamel work on the lid showing slight irregularities.

Position the vessel as a textural accent on a sideboard, open bookshelf, or mantelpiece alongside minimalist ceramics or dark timber furnishings to highlight its sculptural form.

Keep the kettle in a dry environment to prevent further oxidisation, dust gently with a soft microfibre cloth, and avoid liquids or chemical cleaners on the polychrome enamel surface.
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