Item Description This is a substantial hammered copper vase (tsubo-form) crafted in the Dōchū (銅蟲) tradition, a designated traditional craft of Hiroshima Prefecture. The technique involves hand-hammering copper sheet into shape, finishing the surface with a distinctive all-over hammer-mark texture (tsuchime), and smoking the metal over rice straw to develop its deep, warm patina. The exterior is decorated with two carp (koi) rendered in gilt relief, swimming across the dark bronze-toned ground of the vessel — a motif traditionally associated with perseverance and good fortune in Japanese decorative art. The base is signed "Meihō" (明宝), the maker's mark for this piece, together with an impressed seal. The vase retains its original fitted wooden storage box (tomobako), with an inscription on the underside of the lid noting a commemorative occasion. No leaks are present, and the vessel remains structurally sound and fully watertight. Size Height: 31 cm Width: 23 cm Depth: 23 cm Weight 1695 g Condition The vase shows green and dark patina consistent with age, along with light wear, scuffs, and a repaired area to the rim edge. Surface marks, small stains, and scattered spotting are visible, particularly toward the lower body, as shown in the photographs. The interior may show additional wear or soiling not fully visible from the exterior. No leaks or structural damage are present. Additional Information Craft type: Dōchū (銅蟲), a traditional hammered copperwork craft of Hiroshima Prefecture, believed to have originated in the first half of the 17th century under the patronage of the Asano clan of Hiroshima domain. Maker's signature: Meihō (明宝), impressed on the base. Origin: Hiroshima, Japan. Materials: Copper with gilt (gold-toned) relief decoration. Accessories: Original fitted wooden storage box (tomobako) with inscription. NOITICE: The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 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.