WW2 Japanese Military Porcelain Sake Cup with Rare Original Card Box and Distributers Label

Here on offer is a near mint example of a WW2 Japanese military porcelain sake cup, displaying inside the Japanese flag, a pith helmet, a rifle and cherry blossom, with its original card box.

Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice, plays a central role in traditional culture and even religion. Not surprisingly, the Imperial Japanese military harnessed this tradition to validate ceremonies ranging from the celebration of victory to a final toast for kamikaze pilots about to embark on suicide missions.

My understanding is that some sake cups (sakazuki) were officially commissioned by the military for various purposes, but most often they were commissioned by the men or officers themselves to commemorate various milestones from enlistment to return from overseas assignment to completion of military service.

Sake cups seem to come in two main sizes, small ones 5-7cm and large ones 9-10cm.

This near mint example is the smaller version, being 5.6cm diameter.

The cup has a pale blue upper edge and the rim retains its gilt edge.

Inside the bowl edge is some gold Japanese Kanji lettering and a gold shaded star that is the symbol of the Imperial Japanese Army (the Navy used a fullered anchor).

It then displays the, hinomaru or “meatball” national flag on the left, along with a rifle, a pith helmet and some cherry blossom, which are a symbol of celebration.

I don’t think this cup was ever issued as such as usually when issued, the name of the soldier would be marked on the inside of the bottom.

This example is effectively “mint in box”.

This cup also comes with its original box, that is made of light cardboard with a paper covering, made to simulate wood.

Inside the lid of the box is a diamond shaped distributers label, that seems to translate as:

Quality Assurance Certificate
Nomoto Watch Shop
Kyoto, Shichijo Horikawa
Phone: 1242

It is extremely hard to find a cup with its original box and label, that is effectively a “mint in box” example.

The cup measures 2.2” (5.6cm) diameter and is 1.1” (2.8cm) high.

It weighs 40g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52109