During the mid nineteenth century, infused tea drinking gained popularity. Initially, only the wealthy could afford Matcha, which is a type of powder that is used to brew tea. When the Chinese introduced Sencha, a method of brewing with whole leaves, drinking tea became more accessible and affordable for the common people. In an extremely formal and elaborate ritual called the Japanese tea ceremony, or Chanoyu, each and every small detail, from utensil to atmosphere, is important. The goal of this ceremony is to create an environment that not only sates the taste buds, but also to bring forth a sense of inner peace. Chanoyu comes under the influence of Zen Buddhism.

First you need to boil water for the tea and Chanoyu experts favor the chagama or ortegama—an iron kettle that has neither a handle nor a spout. For ceremonies that take place outdoors, the tetsubin, or iron teapot, sometimes replaces the chagama, since it is smaller and has a spout. The chagama is larger and it requires the use of a ladle to get the water into the tea cups. There are different types of tea ceremonies. One is the Ryakubon, which is a small ceremony, requiring a limited amount of tea ware. The other is Kaiseki, where a small meal is served prior to the formal tea ceremony. It was thought that the tea would taste better, if the guests were not hungry.

This exceptional cast iron chagama being offered holds over two quarts of water and has metal handles or “kan” on each side, for the ease of lifting the pot. The chagama sits on a three-pronged stand that is designed to keep it a safe distance from the heat and for support. The front and lid of the chagama are beautifully decorated with leaves and pears. The portable brazier or “furo” is included and has an opening in front to allow for the tending of the coals. Together, the chagama and furo are eleven inches in height and along with the stand, weigh approximately twenty-one pounds. All three items are in excellent, unused condition. This striking chagama and furo are true reflections of the Japanese culture and will make a fabulous collectible for any home! You can buy or bid on this fantastic Japanese Chagama here