Miniaturization is a reoccurring theme in Japanese aesthetics, seen in everything from bonsai trees to the food presentation at elaborate kaiseki dinners. Love of nature is another theme and perhaps even more common. Both themes come together in these small flower vases which are made in Hokkaido in far northern Japan. Intended to be used for dried flowers, the vases are hand turned from solid maple, and then finished with a matte coating to protect the surface yet preserve the natural feeling of the wood.