This is an antique Japanese tea or sake pot known as a Choshi dating to the early Meiji Era (c. 1870). It is made of cast iron and has a deep relief image of a flying dragon (see pictures). The lid is made of red lacquered hinoki wood with a chrysanthemum flower bud finial in copper (see picture 9). 

The choshi has a long spout (see picture 8) which aided in pouring hot sake into the typically small sakazuki (sake cup). It has a tripod base (see last picture) for level standing.  

It measures 6" (15 cm) in diameter and the spout measures 2" long (5 cm) by 3" tall (9 cm ) not including the handle (6" tall (15 cm) with the handle).  It holds about one liter of hot or cold liquid. That's a lot of sake!

Having been in storage for over a century and a half, with exception to an aged patina and some minor wear to the wooden lid, it remains in very fine condition.

You'll love it, I guarantee it.........If you purchase this item and are not completely delighted with it, you may return it for a no questions asked refund within 30 days of receipt.

Sailerking and the Shogun's Gallery have been in the Japanese antique business for over 38 years, and highly value our customers. Satisfaction Guarantee: All items are carefully described and photographed. If not completely delighted with any item it may be returned in original condition for refund of purchase price, less actual shipping cost. Most items listed are antiques, and as such may have an expected amount of wear from normal use. We do not sell items with major flaws without mentioning it in the listing. See photos and descriptions for condition. Returns must be shipped back within 30 days of receipt. Buyer assumes all shipping fees. If you have specific questions about the item or condition, please feel free to ask before bidding and we will make every effort to respond promptly. International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, taxes, etc. imposed by the buyer's home country.