Japanese Iron Tetsubin with Red Lacquer Lid

Decorated with a dotted, textured surface and an elegant arched handle, this Japanese teapot was used to boil water for traditional tea ceremonies. Known as tetsubin, the kettle’s cast-iron construction is said to change the quality of the water, making tea taste mellow and sweet. Made by pouring iron into clay or sand molds, the kettle has a rustic texture in pleasing contrast to its unusual angular form and red lacquer lid, which bears a knob in the form of a ripe persimmon.