Himeji Castle is popular by called the Castle of the white heron, a name bestowed upon it because of the pure white walls of the Castle keep. In commemoration of the 85th Aniversary of the first successful cultured pearl, Mikimoto commissioned a 1/90 bejeweled scale model replica of this national treasure. The eighteen dolphins that crowns the gables are encrusted with 447 diamonds. Their eyes are sapphires 36 beartiful stones. 19000 pearls lie about the base. And the castle itself is resplendent with gold, platinum and iridescent lacquers in the tradition of the Shippo and Makie schools.