May the ore be with you: Gold Darth Vader mask up for sale in Japan

TOKYO - A solid gold Darth Vader mask is going on sale in Japan, with a $1.4 million price tag for a one-of-a-kind likeness of science fiction's most famous villain.

Jeweler Ginza Tanaka on Tuesday showcased the 15-kilogram (33-pound) sculpture, which has been commissioned to mark the 40th anniversary this year of the release of "Star Wars."

An employee of Japan's jeweler Tanaka Kikinzoku Jewelry displays the pure gold life-size mask of Darth Vader at their main shop in Ginza shopping district in Tokyo on April 25, 2017. Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP

The mask will be available for purchase on May the fourth—a date known among fans as "Star Wars Day" because of its similarity to one of the franchise's most famous lines: "May the Force be with you."

The jeweler also plans to release gold coins specially designed to celebrate the anniversary in the more affordable price range of $1,200 to $11,000.

Ginza Tanaka, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, has in the past created other gold commemorative products including a Christmas tree, samurai helmets and footballer Lionel Messi's left foot. — Agence France-Presse