Japanese Ikebana, the art of flower arranging,vase is made of Kiri wood from the Paulownia Tree a renewable and fast growing Tree often times called the Princess Tree with colorful leaves from the Tree and Bird done in gold and red lacquer. More organic in shape as most I have seen or owned, this has a copper insert in which the flowers were held. Handhewn appearance to the wood contrast nicely to the rich lacquer decoration of the leaves and bird. Knots are included with the back knot looking to have been filled. A few surface scratches to the wood here and there but nothing major or marring to the overall beauty of the piece. Bottom of the copper insert shows verdigris and has separated from the cylinder insert along one side. Marked to the bottom is a gold foil tag with Japanese writing and the words Japan. Believe this to be from the mid-1950's - to the mid 1960's as are most that I have seen. Having lived in Japan from this era, believe the dating to be accurate. In excellent condition and measures 11 3/4" tall and the base is 5 5/8" across and the opening is 3" across.