37 - † AN RARE IRON AMIDADO-GAMA (TEA KETTLE), ATTRIBUTED TO TSUJI YOJIRO, AUTHENTICATED BY ONISHI SEIEMON

† AN RARE IRON AMIDADO-GAMA (TEA KETTLE), ATTRIBUTED TO TSUJI YOJIRO, AUTHENTICATED BY ONISHI SEIEMON Attributed to Tsuji Yojiro, unsigned Japan, late 16th-early 17th century, Momoyama (1573-1615) to early Edo period (1615-1868) Finely cast in the classic Amidado form, the rounded, swelling body with a richly textured iron surface, rising through gently sloping shoulders fitted with a pair of small loop handles to a short, straight neck and broad circular mouth. The kettle is fitted with a slightly domed, finely patinated bronze cover surmounted by a pierced brocade-ball finial resting on a floret-shaped plate. The restrained form and rugged iron surface exemplify the austere aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony. HEIGHT 24.3 cm (incl. cover), WIDTH 25.2 cm (across handles) WEIGHT 4.5 kg (incl. cover) Condition: Very good condition with expected wear, casting irregularities, an old repair to the base, and areas of deep corrosion to the interior. With an associated wooden storage box. Accompanied by a historical attestation (kiwame), signed and sealed by the renowned Kyoto kettle maker Onishi Seiemon, unequivocally identifying the present kettle as a work of Tsuji Yojiro from the time of Sen no Rikyu. The attestation reads: Amidado-style tea kettle, with a body diameter of 7 sun 8 bu (approximately 23.6 cm), a mouth diameter of 4 sun (approximately 12.1 cm), and ring-handle attachments decorated with oni masks. The aforementioned kettle is unquestionably the work of Yojiro, dating from the time of Sen no Rikyu. Early spring, Year of the Fire Monkey (Hinoe-saru). Onishi Seiemon, kettle maker.' Sealed Onishi. Tsuji Yojiro (active late 16th-early 17th century) was among the most celebrated kettle makers of the Momoyama period and closely associated with the great tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591). Born in Omi Province, he established himself in Kyoto's Sanjo Kamanza district, where he studied under Nishimura Donin. He is credited with developing several innovative kettle forms, including the Amidado, Unryu, and Yoho types, which became closely associated with Rikyu's ideals of wabi tea. His exceptional craftsmanship reportedly earned him the honorary title Tenka-ichi ('Number One Under Heaven') from Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The present attribution is particularly significant for its accompanying kiwame by Onishi Seiemon, a member of the distinguished hereditary lineage of Kyoto kettle makers belonging to the Senke Jisshoku, the ten artisan families traditionally serving the Sen schools of tea ceremony. The document not ony identifies the kettle as Yojiro's work but also explicitly associates it with the lifetime of Sen no Rikyu. Museum comparison: Compare a closely related iron round kettle, attributed to Tsuji Yojiro, dated to the Momoyama period, 16th-17th century, 20 cm high, in the MIHO Museum, Shiga, Japan. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related iron Amidado-type tea kettle, attributed to Tsuji Yojiro, dated to the late 16th-17th century, 27.9 cm high, at Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 September 2013, New York, lot 672 (sold for USD 11,250 or approx. EUR 14,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). Compare a closely related iron Shirihari-type tea kettle, attributed to Tsuji Yojiro, dated to the late 16th-17th century, 22.9 cm high, similarly authenticated by Onishi Seiemon, at Christie's, Japanese and Korean Art, 18 September 2013, New York, lot 673 (sold for USD 10,000 or approx. EUR 12,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing). 13% VAT will be added to the hammer price additional to the buyer's premium - only for buyers within the EU.