An early 20th century Japanese metalwares comport and stand

An early 20th century Japanese metalwares comport and stand, retailed by Samurai Shokai, Yokohama, circa 1920, marked STERLING, of elongated oval form, each end in the form of a crane in flight with copper and gold coloured accents, raised on an oval pedestal foot, signed to the underside, 44 x 24cm, 13cm high, presented with decorative wooden stand, 1781.6g (57.4ozt) Samurai Shokai was founded by Yozo Nomura in Yokohama in 1895. The store played a major role in the development of the town and became one of Japan's leading fine art suppliers. It sold items such as silk, porcelain, lacquerware, jade, and silverware, and it also offered financial support to traditional craftsmen, such as silversmiths, so they could produce products for sale in the store. It became one of the most famous antiques stores in Yokohama, but the premises were completely destroyed during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. The crane – the bird of happiness – is a symbol of good luck and longevity.