The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Tokyo jeweler offers gold Darth Vader masks costing $1.4 million

- CMAX HBO SHOW STARZ TMC By Emily Wang

TOKYO — “Star Wars” fans with deep pockets might consider it a golden opportunit­y.

A Tokyo jewelry store is offering life-size Darth Vader masks made of 24-karat gold at a hefty price of 154 million yen ($1.4 million) to mark the 40th anniversar­y of the release of the first “Star Wars” movie.

The creation measures 26.5 centimeter­s (10.4 inches) wide and 30 centimeter­s (11.8 inches) high.

The Ginza Tanaka store says the masks are not designed for wearing — at about 15 kilograms (33 pounds), they would be too heavy, and they have no opening for a head.

While the masks are its most expensive “Star Wars” memorabili­a, the jeweler has made pricier products. In 2013, a gold Disney-themed Christmas tree was priced at 500 million yen ($4.5 million).

Marketing manager Hirotsugu Tsuchiya said it took 10 goldsmiths three months to mold and assemble the prototype.

“The most difficult aspect was that each section of the mask was created by a different gold craftsman and then assembled to make one Darth Vader mask,” Tsuchiya said.

Orders for the mask can be made at its main store in the glitzy Ginza shopping area where the prototype is on display. Customers will have to wait three months after ordering.

For those looking for less expensive options, gold coins engraved with Yoda or Luke Skywalker will also be available starting at 132,300 yen ($1,200).

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