Drinking set (4) - Wood
Starting bid
€ 1
Add to your favourites to get an alert when the auction starts.
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 145028 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Description from the seller
Antique Set of three ceremonial sake cups with stand – Red lacquered wood, gold maki-e decoration – Cranes, turtle and Shōchikubai – Japan, Taishō/early Shōwa period (estimate)
Magnificent traditional Japanese set of three sake cups in varying sizes, called Mitsugumi Sakazuki (三ツ組盃), accompanied by its stand on legs (Sakazuki-dai) and its old wooden box.
The set is made of vermilion red lacquered wood, with delicate gold maki-e style decorations.
The three cups are adorned with pine, bamboo and plum blossom motifs, known in Japan as Shōchikubai (松竹梅), symbolizing longevity, perseverance and renewal.
The stand, square-shaped and resting on four feet, features an elegant decoration of flying cranes, a turtle, bamboo and vegetation, with fine gold borders. Its interior is black lacquered, offering a striking contrast with the vermilion red exterior.
Cranes and the turtle are traditional symbols of longevity and happiness in Japanese culture.
This set was traditionally intended for ceremonies and important occasions, notably family celebrations and weddings.
Technique: lacquered wood, gold decoration in maki-e style. At the time of purchase, this set was presented as a Negoro-nuri lacquer piece. This attribution has not, however, been authenticated.
Estimated period: late Taishō or early Shōwa era, probably around 1920–1940. Dating is indicative and not confirmed by expert appraisal.
Dimensions:
- Wooden box: 22 × 22 × 25.5 cm
- Stand: 16 × 16 × 17 cm
- Large cup: diameter 10.7 cm × height 3.5 cm
- Medium cup: about 9 × 9.3 cm × height 3 cm
- Small cup: diameter 7.8 cm × height 2.8 cm
Condition: generally good for an old set. There are light signs of wear, small marks and some superficial lacquer wear, visible in the photographs. The decorations remain well preserved and the colors are still bright.
The old box shows more pronounced signs of wear consistent with age.
Original box: the set is supplied with its old wooden box, bearing a handwritten Japanese label with the inscription “Shūgiyō” (祝儀用), meaning “for ceremonial celebrations.”
This inscription confirms the ceremonial purpose of this set, traditionally used on joyful occasions, notably weddings and family celebrations.
The box shows signs of wear related to its age, and its original label is partially deteriorated.
A beautiful example of traditional Japanese lacquerware, both decorative and representative of Japanese ceremonial objects.
Photographs are an integral part of the description.
Antique Set of three ceremonial sake cups with stand – Red lacquered wood, gold maki-e decoration – Cranes, turtle and Shōchikubai – Japan, Taishō/early Shōwa period (estimate)
Magnificent traditional Japanese set of three sake cups in varying sizes, called Mitsugumi Sakazuki (三ツ組盃), accompanied by its stand on legs (Sakazuki-dai) and its old wooden box.
The set is made of vermilion red lacquered wood, with delicate gold maki-e style decorations.
The three cups are adorned with pine, bamboo and plum blossom motifs, known in Japan as Shōchikubai (松竹梅), symbolizing longevity, perseverance and renewal.
The stand, square-shaped and resting on four feet, features an elegant decoration of flying cranes, a turtle, bamboo and vegetation, with fine gold borders. Its interior is black lacquered, offering a striking contrast with the vermilion red exterior.
Cranes and the turtle are traditional symbols of longevity and happiness in Japanese culture.
This set was traditionally intended for ceremonies and important occasions, notably family celebrations and weddings.
Technique: lacquered wood, gold decoration in maki-e style. At the time of purchase, this set was presented as a Negoro-nuri lacquer piece. This attribution has not, however, been authenticated.
Estimated period: late Taishō or early Shōwa era, probably around 1920–1940. Dating is indicative and not confirmed by expert appraisal.
Dimensions:
- Wooden box: 22 × 22 × 25.5 cm
- Stand: 16 × 16 × 17 cm
- Large cup: diameter 10.7 cm × height 3.5 cm
- Medium cup: about 9 × 9.3 cm × height 3 cm
- Small cup: diameter 7.8 cm × height 2.8 cm
Condition: generally good for an old set. There are light signs of wear, small marks and some superficial lacquer wear, visible in the photographs. The decorations remain well preserved and the colors are still bright.
The old box shows more pronounced signs of wear consistent with age.
Original box: the set is supplied with its old wooden box, bearing a handwritten Japanese label with the inscription “Shūgiyō” (祝儀用), meaning “for ceremonial celebrations.”
This inscription confirms the ceremonial purpose of this set, traditionally used on joyful occasions, notably weddings and family celebrations.
The box shows signs of wear related to its age, and its original label is partially deteriorated.
A beautiful example of traditional Japanese lacquerware, both decorative and representative of Japanese ceremonial objects.
Photographs are an integral part of the description.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Number of objects
4
Material
Wood
Country of origin
Japan
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Height
17 cm
Width
16 cm
Depth
16 cm
Estimated period
1920-1930
