The term "Nanryo" refers to refined, high-quality silver, synonymous with pure silver, especially used in tea ceremony utensils. In the world of tea ceremony, "Nanryo" is often preferred over "pure silver." The item features an aged, original box. The lid of the box, with a four-sided frame, is inscribed with "Nanryo Hiramarugata Yawakashi" (Nanryo Flat Round Teapot) and the signature "Nakagawa Joeki Zo" (Made by Nakagawa Joeki). The teapot lid's knob is in the shape of a plum blossom, and the underside of the lid is engraved with "Nakagawa Kyusei Joeki Zo" (Made by the 9th Generation Joeki Nakagawa). The handle wrapping appears to be black rattan, with beautiful braiding. A silver piece with a gap is attached to the inside bottom of the teapot, possibly a mechanism similar to the "Narikane" (sound metal) found at the bottom of iron teapots. The original box shows stains and scratches, and the teapot exhibits the characteristic blackening and clouding of silver, but there are almost no scratches or dents. The numerous fine lines seen in photos 17 and 18 are likely caused by friction during use on the soft silver. Approximate dimensions, weight, and capacity are as follows: 【Teapot】 Height: 17.5 cm (to handle), 12 cm (to lid knob) / Width: 15.5 cm (to spout) / Diameter: 7.1 cm (mouth), 13 cm (body), 7.2 cm (base) / Weight: 483g, Capacity (near mouth) 950cc / 【Original Box】 Length and Width: 15.5 cm, Height: 19.7 cm / Weight: 440g / This is a "Nanryo" pure silver teapot made by "Nakagawa Kyusei Joeki," a metalworker of the Meiji era. It has a subdued elegance and a well-balanced appearance. No leaks have been confirmed in its current state. Please use it for tea ceremony utensils. The following is a quote from an online article for reference: "The Nakagawa family is a distinguished family associated with the tea master "Sen no Rikyu." "Nakagawa Joeki" is the name traditionally passed down to the head of the Nakagawa family, metalworkers, one of the Senke Jisshoku (Ten Master Craftsmen of the Sen Family). The Nakagawa family is also known as Kazari-shi (ornamental metalworkers), specializing in exquisite metalwork tea utensils and inheriting excellent metalworking techniques. Their works primarily consist of hammered items made by forging iron and silver, and cast items. Originally from Echigo Province, they made armor and other military equipment, but the first generation, who took the name Shoeki, began making tea utensils at the request and guidance of Sen no Rikyu, and it became a family business for generations. Their representative work is the "Rikyu Yakan" (Rikyu Teapot). The 9th generation: Joeki (1849-1911) A metalworker of the Meiji era and the son of the 8th generation. He inherited the family business during a period of decline in the tea ceremony. He received support from the Mitsui family and others through his father's connections, but he was unable to successfully rebuild the family business and struggled with alcohol dependency in adversity. Although he was a first-class craftsman, he was not recognized by society because it was a time without understanding of traditional crafts, and he died in obscurity."