Pair of vases with motif of sparrows. peonies, and plum flowers done in the method known as zogan where metal is prepared and silver and gold is applied to the surface and baked. The work was done by Hiraoka Yasutaro, who was active during the Meiji Period and displayed his works World's Columbian Exposiion in 1893. The pair comes with a box with an inscription on the cover stating the contents inside and on the other side is an inscription which states: In September of the 30th year of Meiji (1897) In appreciation for the work in editing the imperial chronicles, the Emperor presented this. Written by, Hiromichi. Inscription was written by Takatsukasa Hiromichi (1855-1918) who was an army general and part of the Council of Peers. Age: Meiji Era (1890s) Size: Height: 9.25" Diameter: 2.75"