Paperweights
Crane and Tortoise
Chinese legend has it that crane lives for thousand years, and tortoise lives for ten thousand years. Even now in Asian countries such as China and Japan, crane and tortoise are symbols of longevity and good health, and represent a sign of auspicious events.
Click to Enlarge Crane and Tortoise left side image
Click to Enlarge Crane and Tortoise right side image
| Material | Bronze * |
|---|---|
| Finishing | Bronze finish |
| Diameter | 46mm |
| Weight | 45g |
* Pure silver version is also available (Diameter: 46mm, Weight: 53g)
Butterflies
The design, featuring many butterflies and two cranes fit neatly, is taken from a Japanese mirror of the Muromachi Period (1392-1573).
While production technique of Japanese mirrors had improved by that time, this paperweight followed the traditional design.
Click to Enlarge Butterflies left side image
Click to Enlarge Butterflies right side image
| Material | Red-brass |
|---|---|
| Finishing | Bronze finish |
| Diameter | 68mm |
| Weight | 135g |
Isle of Eternal Youth
The design is taken from a bronze mirror of Honganji Temple of the early Muromachi Period (1392-1573). According to a Chinese legend, "Isle of Eternal Youth" is a place of immortality in the eastern sea where mountain hermits live.
The design symbolizes auspicious atmosphere of the isle by arranging a pine tree of a thousand years, and cranes and a tortoise playing by the sea.
Click to Enlarge Eternal Youth left side image
Click to Enlarge Eternal Youth right side image
| Material | Bronze * |
|---|---|
| Finishing | Bronze finish |
| Diameter | 68mm |
| Weight | 138g |
* Pure silver version is also available (Diameter: 68mm, Weight: 160g)
Pair of Dragons
The design is taken from a bronze mirror stored in the Shosoin Treasure House. It features a twisted pair of dragons, expressing a lively movement, a mountain, and clouds. Also, the outer part depicts clouds and "Ba Gua."
Click to Enlarge Pair of Dragons left side image
Click to Enlarge Pair of Dragons right side image
| Material | Bronze * |
|---|---|
| Finishing | Bronze finish |
| Diameter | 68mm |
| Weight | 138g |
* Pure silver version is also available (Diameter: 68mm, Weight: 160g)
Pair of Mandarin Ducks
The design is taken from an ancient mirror of the Heian Period (794-1192) designated as a national treasure. The inner part depicts auspicious flowers and mandarin ducks, while the outer part depicts butterflies and little birds connected by arabesque pattern.
Click to Enlarge Mandarin Ducks left side
Click to Enlarge Mandarin Ducks right side
| Material | Bimetal ( Pure silver / Bronze ) * |
|---|---|
| Finishing | Rough finish |
| Diameter ( Inner part / Outer part) |
40mm / 68mm |
| Weight | 157g ( Pure silver 108g / Bronze 49g ) |
* Bronze version (Diameter: 68mm, Weight: 138g) and Pure silver version (Diameter: 68mm, Weight: 160g) are also available.