These two shotai-jippo vases have applied silver-gilt rims and base plates. They are both depictions of the view of the Yasaka Pagoda seen from the Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizudera). This is one of the most famous views in Kyoto and the presence of the geisha, for which Kyoto is also renowned, at cherry-blossom viewing time (hanami) adds to the poetry of the scene. The theme of cherry blossom is echoed in the kimono worn by the two geisha, particularly the one on the left. The sense of romance is enhanced by the stylised clouds and pine trees in the distance. Both vases are decorated with silver yusen and shosen shaded enamels on a translucent green enamel ground, and both have silver yusen geometric patterns around their rims and base plates. These splendidly evocative pieces of cloisonné could have been made for either the domestic or tourist market, as the subject matter would have been popular with both. It has been suggested that these pieces were made by Kato Toichi, who once worked for the Ando Company of Nagoya (personal communication from Inaba Katsumi).