A charming pair of lacquer haisen 盃洗 (sake cup washers). A haisen is a shallow vessel used in formal Japanese sake ceremonies for rinsing or resting sakazuki 酒杯 (sake cups) between servings. Each consists of a removable bowl set within a raised stand supported by three elegantly curved feet. The wells of the bowls are decorated with a pair of swimming goldfish, while the stands are adorned with scrolling vines and stylised paulownia 桐 (kiri) foliage. The decoration is finely executed in various shades of gold hiramaki-e 平蒔絵 (low-relief lacquer) against a glossy black lacquer ground. Accompanied by one original dated wooden tomobako 共箱 (storage box), inscribed Shôwa 28 昭和二十八 (1953). Period: Japan – Shôwa period, dated 1953. Dimensions: Height: 17.5 cm; Diameter: 25 cm. Both haisen are in very good original condition with only minimal traces of wear consistent with age. Please study the photographs carefully for a detailed impression of their condition.