Signature On Japanese Cast Iron Kettle

Wish the lid was present. Hope KHL or someone else can help with the signature.
Thanks

 

Of course I can't read the siggy, but poking around the internet, this is the only 12 sided dodecagon shaped tetsubin I've found so far.

It sold for $150.00 in July 2003.
It also gives you an idea of what the original lid should look like.

422: Japanese cast iron tea or water pot,
SOLD FOR $150 Jul 19, 2003 Brunk Auctions
Description
relief decoration with birds on paneled side, brass lid with blossom finial, interior tag "Osaka water pot…," base of lid with row of Japanese characters, general wear, rust and scattered corrosion, interior with mothball residue, possibly made to fit cast iron stove, 10"

 

Some fancy-schmanzy examples, posted for educational purposes only:

http://www.ebay.com/cln/mamasanh/tetsubin-tea-pots/138425176019

I like some of the mixed-metal pieces.

 

Thanks. That seems to be the same shape and indeed the only 12 sided piece I can find.
$150 is not bad for 2003. In general old Japanese kettles have gone up in value since then.
But the missing lid on mine will kill the sale price.
By the way, I see a lot of cast iron kettles with bronze/brass lids. Wonder why? And I'd think most of them are original but not replacements as they are signed on the underside.
It was interesting to learn that 'tetsubin' kettles are only for boiling water but not brewing tea. And they differ from cast iron teapots as the interiors are not coated but left bear iron.

 

Kardi,
If you found this at thrift shop, it might be worth while to check the shelves in the pots and pans aisle. For some reason they often separate the lids from the pots and make huge piles of random lids. It's possible your lid could be buried in a pile.

 

No, it was an antique mall. I did look around but could not find it.