A futaoki lid rest cast in brass by Ryori, shaped as a single leaf caught mid-twist — the surface mapped with veins, the edge gathered and curled as if still moving. The patina deepens in the recesses, lightens at the ridges. It sits in the hand like a found object, yet the authorship is unmistakable.
◾ Artist: Ryori (良利), metalwork craftsman ◾ Object: Futaoki (蓋置) — lid rest for tea ceremony kettle lids and ladles ◾ Dimensions: approx. 5cm height × 5cm width ◾ Material: Brass (黄銅) with natural patina — hints of verdigris in recesses ◾ Form: Single leaf (一葉形), twisted and gathered ◾ Provenance: Shared cloth (共布) and signed wood box (共箱) included
◽ Cultural Insight The futaoki holds the lid of a tea kettle or the ladle during a tea gathering — a functional object that, in the hands of a skilled craftsman, becomes a focal point of attention. In the quiet intervals of a tea ceremony, the eye rests on the futaoki. The choice of a twisted leaf form speaks to the Japanese aesthetic of capturing the transient: a leaf at the moment it releases from the branch, still animated by the fall.
◽ Deep Dive Ryori's casting technique is evident in the fine detail of the leaf veins extending from a central spine across the entire surface. The metal's tone — warm bronze-brown overall, with traces of green oxidation in the deeper recesses — was achieved through controlled patination rather than aging alone. The twisted and gathered edges produce an irregular top opening, allowing the piece to sit at a slight angle. Each side of the leaf presents a different silhouette, so the futaoki offers a different face from every viewing direction.
🔹 [ SHIPPING & PACKAGING ] • Dispatch: Within 1-6 business days • Carrier: Japan Post EMS / UPS (with tracking) • Packaging: Carefully wrapped with protective materials
