The heavy copper body has an applied shakudo rim and base plate. The gold yusen and musen enamel design of Shidare Zakura (hanging, or weeping, cherry blossom) is applied to one side of the vase only and, interestingly, begins immediately under the rim. The simplicity of the design and the careful use of space are unquestionably Japanese in taste, while the warm grey ground complements the subtle shades of white, pink and grey of the cherry-blossom. The counter-enamel is of a dark, almost matt brown colour. This is also used on the base, where the Sakigake seal of Namikawa Sosuke has been added in raised silver yusen. The wires of the seal appear to have been covered with a transparent enamel. Shidare Zakura are found, often planted singly, at temples and shrines throughout Japan and, many of them being of a great age, are held in high regard. As with many examples of Sosuke's work, this piece would have appealed to both the domestic and overseas market. See Coben & Ferster Plate 104 for an almost identical piece.