This is a Hiramaru Mandokoro kama (tea kettle) by Living National Treasure Keiten Takahashi. Keiten Takahashi, from Yamagata, is known for Yamagata casting, which is also designated as a traditional craft. He was a caster recognized as a holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property (Living National Treasure). While inheriting the tradition of Oshu Yamagata casting, he always incorporated a sense of the new era, creating elegant works. For over 60 years, he has continued to create tea ceremony works, mainly tea kettles, as well as iron kettles, sake bottles, and furo (tea ceremony brazier). [Keiten Takahashi Biography] 1920: Born in the Yama-masa foundry in Kodo-machi, Yamagata City. 1938: Inherited the family foundry. 1951: His entry "Washin Hiramaru Kama Jimon Mizumo" was selected for the first time at the Nitten Exhibition. 1961: Produced a tea kettle for presentation to Emperor Showa. 1963: Received the Chairman's Award of the Japan Traditional Art Crafts Exhibition. 1992: Awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Fourth Class. 1996: Certified as a holder of the Important Intangible Cultural Property "Tea Ceremony Kettle." Became an honorary citizen of Yamagata City in the same year. 2009: Passed away. Age 89. ★ Please ask any questions before purchasing. ★ This is a used item. Please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for a new item. ★ Cancellations after shipping are not accepted. ★ Please refrain from bidding if you are nervous. Please consider carefully before purchasing.