Antique Japanese cast iron tetsubin (kettle for heating water for tea) with raised design of birds and blossoming irises. On one side, a pair of birds fly and a lantern rests on the ground. On the other side, a bird flies over a stand of irises. The body of the tetsubin has a lobed form and areas that alternate with the design are cast with a fine pattern. The lid is made of bronze and signed. Provenance Collection of George Auclair, Colorado Age: Meiji Period (1868-1912) Dimensions: 10" total height including handle, 6 1/4" high to top of lid finial 6 1/4". 7 1/2" wide including spout x 6 1/4" wide.