A New Curatorial Introduction at Kogei Art KYOTO
Kogei Art KYOTO is honored to introduce the work of Kyo kama-shi (traditional Iron kettle master) Shoju Kawata, a third-generation artist whose practice continues one of the most refined lineages within Japanese tea culture.
In the Japanese tea ceremony, the Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle (Chagama)1 occupies a singular position. Neither purely functional nor entirely sculptural, it stands at the center of the tea space, shaping the atmosphere through its form, weight, and presence. Kawata’s works embody this quiet authority, bridging inherited technique with a contemporary sensibility grounded in restraint.
Born into a family of kettle makers spanning three generations, Kawata trained under the second-generation Shoju while cultivating a deep connoisseurship through the study of historical kettles. His practice does not seek novelty for its own sake; instead, it refines tradition through subtle geometry, symbolic detail, and a profound understanding of iron as a living material.
In November of last year, Kawata presented the exhibition “Stillness In Bloom” at the Kyoto Art Club, where his works received significant acclaim. Kogei Art KYOTO is privileged to introduce three Tea Ceremony Iron Kettles (Chagama) from this important body of work, including two pieces exhibited in that presentation.
These works are currently available for private viewing at our Kyoto gallery.
Viewing & Acquisition
Collectors interested in experiencing these works are invited to arrange a private viewing by appointment.
For international clients, Kogei Art KYOTO provides museum-grade art packing and worldwide shipping.
As dedicated catalogue pages are in preparation, acquisition inquiries are handled through direct consultation. Please contact us via our inquiry form or WhatsApp (Kogei Art KYOTO) to request further details about the condition, logistics, and acquisition procedures.
Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle, “Tsurujimon Shinno-kama”
¥1,540,000 (JPY, tax included)
This exceptional Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle (Chagama) integrates the poetic imagery of the late Atsushi Uemura, a Living National Treasure2 and one of the foremost Nihonga painters of the modern era. His original crane drawing has been delicately engraved across the iron surface, creating a rare dialogue between metalwork and painting.
The crane, long associated with longevity and auspiciousness, appears here with quiet dignity. The lid knob adopts the shippō motif — interlinked circles symbolizing harmony and continuity — allowing the work to resonate as both ritual implement and sculptural meditation.
Rather than emphasizing virtuosity alone, the piece reveals its depth through restraint, rewarding prolonged viewing and contemplation.
*This piece comes with a matching box prepared in advance.
Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle, “Arareshippo-mon Koma-gata Kama”
¥1,100,000 (JPY, tax included)
Inspired by the traditional spinning top known as koma, this Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle (Chagama) balances playful origin with disciplined execution. Its graceful curves and stable center of gravity harmonize naturally with the gestures of the tea ceremony.
The surface features an intricate composition of rare textures forming the auspicious shippō design. Lion-mask side handles, a pinecone-shaped lid knob, and a pine-needle base introduce symbolic references to vitality and longevity while preserving the form’s overall quiet authority.
The work exists at the intersection of ritual object and contemporary sculpture, revealing its character gradually over time.
*For this piece, we will prepare a matching box inscribed by the master after purchase.
Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle, “Tsukubai Kama”
¥1,320,000 (JPY, tax included)
Inspired by the “Chisoku no Tsukubai” of Ryōan-ji Temple3, this Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle (Chagama) translates Zen philosophy into distilled geometric language.
The circular body, square rim, and triangular knob symbolize the universe reduced to essential forms. A snail motif on the lugs reflects the Zen teaching of chisoku — knowing sufficiency and living with contentment.
The interplay between softness and structure gives the work a contemplative presence that unfolds slowly, inviting reflection rather than immediate spectacle.
*For this piece, we will prepare a matching box inscribed by the master after purchase.
Collecting Tea Ceremony Iron Kettles (Chagama) Today
Historically, Kyoto Tea Ceremony Iron Kettles (Chagama) remained largely within domestic circles of tea practitioners. Today, however, collectors worldwide are beginning to recognize them as sculptural works that embody centuries of cultural memory and material knowledge.
Shoju Kawata’s practice stands at a rare intersection — rooted in lineage yet unmistakably contemporary. These works do not demand attention; they hold it quietly, revealing their depth through time, proximity, and the subtle transformation of iron.
Kogei Art KYOTO is honored to present this to collectors who seek works defined not by spectacle but by presence.
Private Viewing & Acquisition Inquiries
For private viewing or acquisition inquiries, pleasecontact us via our inquiry form or WhatsApp (Kogei Art KYOTO).
footnote
- Tea Ceremony Iron Kettle (Chagama) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chagama ↩︎
- Living National Treasure https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_National_Treasure_(Japan) ↩︎
- Ryōan-ji Temple https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ry%C5%8Dan-ji ↩︎
