Imperial Japanese Navy Discharge Sake Cup Anchor & Rising Sun Design Taisho
This is an original Imperial Japanese Navy ceremonial sake cup, produced during the Taisho to early Showa period (circa 1910s-1930s). The cup was presented to a Navy serviceman to commemorate the successful completion of his full term of military service. The following characters are written inside the cup in gold. (Imperial Japanese Navy). (Completion of service / full term). (“Otake” – a personal name). The presence of a personal name strongly suggests this cup was awarded to an individual sailor, making it more desirable than generic commemorative pieces. The interior features a classic Imperial Japanese Navy motif. Anchor – symbol of the Navy. Rising Sun flag – official national and military emblem of the period. Cherry blossom in gold gilt – representing honor, duty, and the fleeting nature of life. This combination is widely recognized as a formal Navy discharge commemorative design. Why Imperial Japanese Navy Items Are Rare. Compared to the Army, the Imperial Japanese Navy maintained only about one-tenth of the personnel strength. As a result, Navy commemorative items were produced in much smaller numbers, and surviving examples are significantly scarcer than Army equivalents. Named discharge cups like this one are especially difficult to find today. Cultural Significance of Sake Cups. In pre-war Japan, sake cups were not everyday tableware. They were used to mark important life milestones, including military enlistment, departure, return, and honorable discharge. This cup represents a deeply personal moment. The end of military duty and a safe return to civilian life – preserved in ceramic form. No cracks or major chips. Minor surface wear and light fading of gold due to age. Overall well-preserved for its period. Please refer to photos for details. A genuine historical artifact suitable for collectors of. Imperial Japanese Navy items, military memorabilia, pre-war Japanese ceramics, or Showa-era history. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.