Antique Japanese Cast Iron Chōshi Three-Legged Sake Warming and pouring Vessel w/ Arare Pattern

Antique Japanese Cast Iron Chōshi Three-Legged Sake Warming and pouring Vessel w/ Arare Pattern

This antique Japanese cast iron chōshi (銚子) is a traditional vessel used for warming and serving sake. Unlike a standard tetsubin (water kettle), this example features a distinctive three-legged form, broad pouring trough, and a three-point swing handle attachment, characteristics associated with specialized sake service rather than tea preparation.

The body is decorated with the classic arare (hailstone) pattern and retains its original thin metal lid with decorative glass finial. The compact size, tripod feet, and serving form suggest it was intended to be gently warmed over charcoal before serving sake.

This piece was acquired together with a slightly smaller matching example, indicating it was likely part of a coordinated serving set used for formal entertaining or ceremonial occasions.