Koizumi Nizaemon (小泉仁左衛門), Japanese

A Flat Round Form Nambu Tetsubin with Shrimp Motif 

Meiji Era (1868-1912) or Taisho Era (1912-1926)

About the work

This elegant flat round iron kettle, attributed to the Koizumi Nizaemon family, likely the work of either Koizumi Nizaemon VIII (Seishin, 清信), or his successor Koizumi Nizaemon IX (Seiichi, 清一), reflects the enduring artistry of Morioka’s foremost lineage of Nanbu tekki (Nambu ironware). Known for their mastery of casting techniques and refined aesthetic sense, the Koizumi family has produced kettles of the highest quality for centuries, and this piece exemplifies their tradition of combining functional excellence with cultural symbolism.

The body features a striking decoration: on one side, a motif of two shrimps (ebi), delicately rendered with naturalistic detail and flowing movement. Shrimps are auspicious symbols in Japan, representing longevity, vitality, and resilience. On the reverse side, the kettle is inscribed with the bold characters "兩國" (Ryōgoku). Together, these elements create a harmonious design that is both visually compelling and rich with meaning.

Dimensions

20(h) x 21cm(w) x 16.7(d)

Weight: 1.74kg 

Footnote

Koizumi Nizaemon (小泉仁左衛門) holds a distinguished place in the history of Japanese metalwork. Since 1659, the family has been at the center of developing and perfecting Nanbu ironware (Nanbu tekki), a tradition deeply rooted in Morioka. Over generations, they established themselves as the leading producers of iron kettles (tetsubin), tea utensils, and other cast-metal works, combining technical precision with refined artistic expression. Recognized as innovators and custodians of cultural heritage, the Koizumi kettles—often decorated with auspicious motifs and inscriptions—remain highly prized by collectors, connoisseurs, and practitioners of the Japanese tea tradition.