A iron tsutsu-gama (cylindrical kettle) Taisho era (1912-1926), dated 1914 Cast in iron, the cylindrical vessel tapering slightly to the rim and decorated on the surface in low relief with the poem Cha wa zuiso no sakigake to naru (Among all auspicious grasses, tea leaves are the best), with two handles in the form of stylized beast masks, the circular cover with a chrysanthemum finial fitted with a ring, dated Taisho sannen kinoe-tora fuyubi Takatsu jinjadai (A winter's day in 1914), signed Tessai and with his distinctive kao (cursive monogram) With a wood tomobako storage box inscribed Tsutsu-gama, Cha [] no Bunsanshi Kano Tessai []sho and obscurely inscribed Koan gokamashi Yondai Hiko[] and sealed 7 1/2in (19cm) high