The Red Crowned Crane (Grus Japonenisis) is the second rarest Crane in the World. In maturity the bird has a snow-white plumage with a crown of red skin on top of the head – this turns vivid red during the mating season or when angry. In Japan the Red Crowned Crane, also known as the Tancho, in Legend are believed to live for a thousand years. Revered throughout the East the bird is recognised as a symbol of peace, good fortune, longevity and fidelity.

Both birds are signed on the nape: Seikyo Yoshida Zo, which is the worksop of Yoshida in Seikyo, or as we know it Kyoto. Interestingly Yoshida Kyoto Bronzeware Workshop took a part in the first official ‘World’s Fair’ the Centennial International Exhibition held in Philadelphia USA in 1876.