Japanese Ceremonial Sake Cup - Wood & Lacquer Sakazuki

Description

Vintage Japanese ceremonial sake cup. Such cups are called sakazuki in Japan where they are used to commemorate important events such as birthdays, anniversaries and other significant milestones. The cups are normally of exceptionally high quality and made of wood with lacquer coatings in red, black and gold though other materials may also be used. Decoration often consists simply of stylized calligraphy identifying the event the cup was made for along with a few uplifting expressions such as kotobuki (good luck!) and shuku (congratulations!). Sakazuki sake cups may also include their own storage box with braided binding cord.

About the Listed Item

This splendid vintage sakazuki ceremonial sake cup is made of wood with red lacquer coating on the body and thin gold trim along the lip. The cup is accented with hand-painted decoration and writing in gold paint. A golden crest (kamon) can seen painted within the bowl and additional writing is found on the underside. This cup is in good condition with only small marks and scratches and dates from the early to mid Japanese Showa period (1926-1989) and was acquired in the historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Click here to see more sake cups!

Size of cup:
Height: 1.4 inches (3.5 centimeters)
Diameter: 3.4 inches (8.7 centimeters)
Weight: 0.7 ounces (19 grams)

More about Japanese sake and sake utensils

Sake has long been an important part of Japanese culture. In the past, sake was considered a very special item, reserved for only the most important occasions, such as weddings, birth celebrations and other auspicious events. Sake was considered a sacred drink, and accordingly the first glass poured was always offered to the gods before the remainder could be shared among the celebrants. Sake can be served either warm or cold and special sake flasks are used to both prepare and dispense this unique Japanese drink. Sake is warmed either by immersing the flask (already filled with sake of course) into warm water until the desired temperature is reached or through the use of a special sake kettle called a choshi. The latter method however, though common in old Japan, is today usually reserved for ceremonial events only. Over time, sake utensils, such as cups have developed their own ritual significance which is still evident in modern Japan. For example, it is today common at Japanese engagement parties for the man and woman to exchange sake cups as a sign of their mutual intent to marry. Very beautiful sake cups are also given away to celebrate the birth of a child, as these cherished items are considered symbolic of the significance of the new parent-child relationship. Though normally small in size, sake cups and flasks have long been used in Japan as a medium for the expression of art and calligraphy. Hand-painted cups and flasks are highly collectable both within and outside Japan and are eagerly sought after by collectors who value their utilitarian nature and artistic splendor.

item code: R1S4-0006008
category code: SAKECUP
ship code: L1650 http://directorzone.cyberlink.com/video/6324

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Large
• Japan
• Kabuki
• Theatre
• Fan
• Nihon
• Buyo
• Dance
• Sensu
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[DiMarchezi]

how much cost this one, aproximately?

[Claycat4]

Thank you for sharing the beauty of Japan and your precious daughter!

[TheSturgeonGeneral]

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