Huge Pair Japanese Handcarved Bamboo Vases

Antique, Fabulous, and very large handcarved Bamboo Vases, brush pots, or general containers. An old handwritten note on a card found inside the vases, reads: "Talula's brother, W. O. Pinson, had these canes carved in Japan 1904." We assume that the metal bands have been added at some more recent time in an effort to stop the splitting of the canes -- the taller of the pieces shows a split in the back (pictured), and other minor splits are throughout. We are not proficient in Japanese symbolism, but it does appear that the carving is perhaps of eight scholars, 5 on the left, and 3 on the right; please use your own judgment and knowledge regarding the carved symbols. The original note is included with these pieces. Left, 12-1/2" tall by about 4-3/4" diameter (slightly oval); right, 11-1/2" x about 4-3/4" diameter. Condition very good with splits as seen in photos. Two very interesting pieces of Japanese early 20th Century artwork on natural bamboo canes. c. 1904. $18 US Shipping.