Cast-iron Mizusashi, Japan, Edo period, 19th century Cylindrical in shape, it is adorned with a molded bamboo motif on one side and plum blossom branches on the other, and flanked on each side by a bamboo-shaped handle. The copper-alloy lid features a spherical openwork grip resting on a karabana (Chinese flower) motif in slight relief. Inside, a signature in cursive script 龍文堂造, made by Ryubundo. Height: 21 cm Ryubundo (1732-1798): the Ryubundo house was founded by a former army officer in Kameoka, Tanba prefecture. In 1770, he came to Kyoto and became a foundryman. Later, Yasuzo Yosizo (1780-1841) took over his father's name and established his own workshop. He called himself Ryubundo, the name the general public generally associates with the first generation of Ryubundos. He is recognized as the first to master the lost-wax casting technique. He collaborated with scholars, historians, calligraphers, poets and the famous potter and artist Aoki Mokume to create the finest cast-iron teapots and tea ceremony utensils. During the Bunka Bunsei period (1804-1830), he used the lost-wax casting technique to create utensils for Kyoto's literati. Japan's first cast-iron teapots thus became legendary. The company continued into its seventh generation. Ryubundo exerted his influence in the field of cast-iron teapots for over a century, influencing both Japan and Europe. The Victoria and Albert Museum in London owns cast-iron teapots inlaid with gold and silver dating from around 1870, which were used by high society. The cast-iron teapots were exhibited at the museum in 1876. In the world of cast-iron teapots in Japan, "Ryubundo" is considered the first and most famous brand.