The vibrant surface of this mokume piece results from the bonding of 18 layers of metal. Form and ornamentation are rich in meaning. The shape of the vase evokes the basketry and pottery produced by Aboriginal North Americans, and this influence is also evident in several of the decorative motifs. The solid gold seal adoring the front bears the British Columbia coat of arms adopted in 1895. The Latin cross immediately beneath is a surveying symbol that indicates the latitude and longitude where the Ptarmigan Mines and Mount Farnham (named for the designer) are situated. The realistic figure of the golden-eyed silver bird is a celebration of the local fauna, the ptarmigan being a type of grouse found in Western Canada.