I've never been much of a fan of Japan redware teapots, but this one changed my mind. It's decorated on both sides with colorful raised moriage enamel flowers, in much higher relief than usually found. Also, it's shiny black rather than the usual brown. The 4 cup teapot is a little over 9 inches wide from handle to spout by 5-3/4" high. It dates to pre-war 1930s, possibly very early 1940s.

The quality is much nicer than most vintage redware teapots I've come across. The black slip glaze is shiny, thick, and even without any bubbles, bumps, or skips. The enamel work is skillfully applied with a nice depth. The gold trim has a little wear as shown, nothing significant. The spout is not chipped - it's just the way the gold trim was applied in that area with little petals and swoops. There are no chips, fleabites, or other damage. The fully glazed bottom has a raised Made in Japan mark.