Artist Profile Takaoka Copperware (高岡銅器) is a traditional Japanese metalcasting craft centered in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, with a history of over 400 years. It began in 1611, when the local feudal lord Maeda Toshinaga invited seven master casters to the town to stimulate its industry; production first centered on iron farm tools before expanding into copper and bronze goods. Takaoka became Japan's leading center for cast metalwork, producing everything from temple bells and Buddhist altar fittings to vases, incense burners, and large outdoor bronze statues. The craft is distinguished by its division-of-labor system, in which specialists handle mold-making, casting, engraving, and surface coloring as separate stages, and by its mastery of patination, in which artisans chemically develop the surface color and texture of the metal as the final and defining step of the work. Takaoka Copperware gained international recognition after being exhibited at the Vienna, London, and Paris world expositions during the Meiji era, and in 1975 the region was designated Japan's first officially certified traditional craft-producing area. NOTICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by DHL or Japan Post depend on the situation. It takes about 2-3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.