Item Description This piece is a bronze vase crafted using the traditional techniques of Takaoka Dōki (Takaoka copperware), produced in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. Takaoka Dōki is recognised as one of Japan's foremost metalworking crafts. The vessel features a rounded body that widens into a flared, trumpet-shaped rim, and is finished in a richly textured antique patina of deep green, evoking the appearance of stone or malachite. On the body, two cranes in flight are rendered in relief with a striking contrast of gold and silver. The crane is a traditional Japanese motif symbolising longevity and good fortune, and has long been cherished as a gift for celebratory occasions as well as a decorative object for ikebana arrangements and interior display. The base bears a raised inscription in Japanese, recording that this piece was created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of a company's founding. The date is given as February 1988 (Shōwa 63), and the name of the commissioning company is also engraved. This confirms both the date of production and the piece's provenance as a commemorative item. The piece shows no signs of use and is believed to have been kept for many years as part of a private collection. No cleaning or polishing has been carried out since acquisition, and the item will be offered in its current condition. No further provenance or details beyond those stated here are known. Dimensions Height: 22.5 cm Width: 17 cm Depth: 17 cm Weight 1,837 g / 1.837 kg Condition The bronze surface shows no notable scratches or staining and is in excellent, near-unused condition. No accessories are included. Additional Information Material: Bronze Origin: Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Japan (a centre of copper casting with a history dating back to the Edo period) Inscription: A raised commemorative inscription on the base records the 70th anniversary of a company's founding, with the date Shōwa 63 (1988) engraved The item will be carefully packaged and shipped by Japan Post or DHL, depending on the situation. Due to the changes to the EU tax-free (VAT) system, Japan Post has become unable to ship certain goods valued at €150 or less to an increasing number of European countries. Depending on the destination and circumstances, the shipping method may therefore be changed from Japan Post to DHL. Delivery normally takes approximately 3 weeks, or up to 3 months if the item is shipped by sea. Please note that import duties, taxes, customs fees, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer’s responsibility. For customs clearance, your local customs office or delivery company may contact you by phone or email. To avoid any delays or the return of the parcel, please ensure that you can respond promptly to any such requests. If the parcel is returned due to an inability to contact you or complete customs clearance, additional shipping charges, which may be more than twice the original shipping cost, will apply for reshipment. Thank you for your kind understanding and cooperation. We will do our utmost to ensure that your item arrives safely and without any issues.