I received this from the artist himself at the Mitsukoshi Nihombashi store. I have kept it for many years, but I am selling it because I don't use it. 18.5 x 2 cm Metalworker. Born in Shinjō City, Yamagata Prefecture in 1937. He became a disciple of Soho Kasahara and studied under Koki Tanaka. His techniques have been highly praised, including the Encouragement Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Musashino Exhibition in 1982, and he has received numerous awards. In 1995, he was designated a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property "Metalwork" (Living National Treasure). In 1997, he received the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. In 2007, he received the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.