Seamless Copper Kettle in Gold
Kettle
2021 (made)
2021 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Founded in 1816, Gyokusendо̄ is a family-owned copperware producer in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture. The workshop specialises in hand-hammered (tsuiki) copperware. The techniques used by the artisans were recognized by Niigata Prefecture as an Intangible Cultural Asset in 1958. Later, in 1980, the Agency for Cultural Affairs designated them an Intangible Cultural Property. The techniques involve the raising of vessels from single sheets of copper. In addition to the shaping techniques, Gyokusendо̄ has also developed and incorporated unique patination methods to add colour to the surface of their pieces. The Seamless Kettle shown here is one of the highest expressions of the artisan's skill.
Gyokusendō was among the first workshops chosen to represent Japan at international expositions. The 1873 Vienna World's Fair marked Japan’s first participation as a fully recognised sovereign state and Gyokusendō’s international debut. The workshop continued to participate in both international and domestic expositions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, receiving numerous accolades.
Gyokusendō was among the first workshops chosen to represent Japan at international expositions. The 1873 Vienna World's Fair marked Japan’s first participation as a fully recognised sovereign state and Gyokusendō’s international debut. The workshop continued to participate in both international and domestic expositions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, receiving numerous accolades.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
|
| Title | Seamless Copper Kettle in Gold (manufacturer's title) |
| Materials and techniques | Copper and creeping vine (kazura) |
| Brief description | Seamless copper kettle in gold, by Gyokusendō, 2021, Tsubame, Niigata, Japan, crafts, metal; with a signed wood (paulownia) storage box. 玉川堂 鎚起銅製湯沸 2021年 |
| Physical description | The body and lid are made of pure (more than 99.9%) copper. The inside surface is tinned. The gold surface colour is done by patination. The handle is made of a hollow copper rod wrapped in a creeping vine (kazura). |
| Credit line | Donated by Gyokusendo |
| Production | According to Gyokusendо̄ 's records, this type of seamless spout construction was achieved in the early 20th century during the 4th generation of the house. Prior to this, similar types of vessels were exclusively made with spouts that were made separately and then soldered. Due to its high level of craftsmanship, the development became well known not only among other copperware makers but among other industries as well. Smaller items such as teapots were later made in this style. To match the seamless aesthetic, the lid too is made in the same seamless fashion. Today, the house makes both seamless and two-piece body teapots and kettles. |
| Summary | Founded in 1816, Gyokusendо̄ is a family-owned copperware producer in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture. The workshop specialises in hand-hammered (tsuiki) copperware. The techniques used by the artisans were recognized by Niigata Prefecture as an Intangible Cultural Asset in 1958. Later, in 1980, the Agency for Cultural Affairs designated them an Intangible Cultural Property. The techniques involve the raising of vessels from single sheets of copper. In addition to the shaping techniques, Gyokusendо̄ has also developed and incorporated unique patination methods to add colour to the surface of their pieces. The Seamless Kettle shown here is one of the highest expressions of the artisan's skill. Gyokusendō was among the first workshops chosen to represent Japan at international expositions. The 1873 Vienna World's Fair marked Japan’s first participation as a fully recognised sovereign state and Gyokusendō’s international debut. The workshop continued to participate in both international and domestic expositions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, receiving numerous accolades. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | FE.108-2021 |
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| Record created | October 14, 2021 |
| Record URL |
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