This is an original Imperial Japanese Army commemorative lacquer sake cup set. Dated May 1936 (Showa 11). Junior Officers and NCO Corps of the 18th Infantry Regiment. To commemorate their return (Victory/”Gaisen”) from military operations. Nearly 90 years old. The year 1936 was a crucial moment in pre-WWII Japan. The 18th Infantry Regiment had already served in the Sino-Japanese War. Russo-Japanese War, Jinan Incident, and later campaigns in China. Ultimately, the regiment was annihilated in the Pacific War. During the Battles of Saipan and Guam in 1944. This cup set represents the regiment in its active years. Before its final destruction. The Special Meaning of Sake Cups in the Japanese Army. In the Imperial Japanese military, sake cups were not casual tableware. They were used in. Pledges of loyalty. Farewell before battle. Drinking from the same cup symbolized shared fate. Sometimes literally life and death. Because of this ceremonial role. Military commemorative cups are often rarer than field equipment. They were not battlefield gear. They survived only if preserved intentionally. Three-piece graduated set (Large / Medium / Small). Gosan no Kiri (Paulownia Crest). A high-status emblem historically associated with the Japanese government and authority. Gold maki-e style decoration on deep red lacquer. The large cup bears gold inscription. 18th Infantry Regiment Junior Officers & NCO Corps. May 1936 Victory Commemoration. Original wooden storage box included. Cups: very good overall condition considering age. Box: exterior shows age-related wear; interior relatively clean. No original cushioning material was included. Why It Is Rare. Regiment name fully written. Exact date inscribed. Specific rank group (Junior Officers & NCO Corps). Complete 3-piece set. Pre-WWII Showa period original. Direct connection to a regiment later destroyed in the Pacific War. This is not just a military souvenir. It is a surviving ceremonial artifact tied to a real regiment. With a documented combat history ending in total loss. A tangible piece of Imperial Japanese military history. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
This is an original commemorative lacquer sake cup issued for the. Imperial Japanese Army Special Grand Maneuvers of Showa 2 (1927). Complete with original wooden storage box. Army Special Grand Maneuvers Commemoration. Cup Base (gold lettering). Showa 2 Special Grand Maneuvers Commemoration. The inscriptions clearly identify the historical event and place. What Were the “Special Grand Maneuvers”? The “Special Grand Maneuvers” were large-scale national military exercises conducted under the direct observation of the Emperor. Unlike ordinary field training, these were state-level demonstrations of military strength and modernization. The 1927 maneuvers were held in the Chukyo region (Nagoya area) and involved major Imperial Army divisions including. This cup was produced as an official commemorative item for that nationally significant event. Historical Context – 1927. 1927 was an early Showa period year, before the outbreak of full-scale war in China. Japan was in a phase of military modernization and expansion, but not yet in total war. Commemorative items from this era often show higher artistic refinement compared to later wartime mass production pieces. The Relationship Between the Japanese Military and Sake Cups. In Imperial Japan, sake cups were not merely drinking vessels. As such, military commemorative cups are important cultural artifacts reflecting the ceremonial traditions of the Imperial Army. Red lacquer ground with gold maki-e phoenix motif. The phoenix symbolizes honor, prosperity, and auspicious celebration. Paulownia leaves appear below, reinforcing the dignified and ceremonial tone. Elegant rather than militaristic in appearance. Traditional Japanese lacquerware is created by layering natural urushi lacquer multiple times to achieve durability and deep gloss. The gold maki-e decoration technique requires skilled craftsmanship and precision. This piece reflects the high-quality decorative standards of the early Showa period. (See photos for reference). Age-related wear, light storage marks, and natural patina consistent with its age. Maki-e decoration remains clear and well-preserved. Original wooden box included. A refined and historically documented pre-war Imperial Japanese Army commemorative piece. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
This is an original. Vintage Japanese lacquerware sake cup set. “Navy Service Completion Commemorative” item. During the pre-WWII Showa period. Inside the base of each cup, the original gold inscription reads. “Naval Service Completion Commemoration”. Indicating that this set was formally presented to commemorate the successful completion of naval duty. Historical Background (Easy to Understand). Compared to the Imperial Japanese Army, the. Japanese Navy had far fewer personnel. And naval service carried a significantly higher risk due to maritime operations. Completion commemorative items from the Navy are considered particularly scarce today. These objects were not everyday tableware. They were ceremonial items, created to. Mark survival, completion, and return. An important milestone in a sailor’s life. The Meaning of Sake Cups in Japanese Culture. In Japan, sake cups traditionally symbolize. Celebration of life milestones. Shared bonds and gratitude. Such cups were used during formal gatherings and commemorative occasions, rather than daily use. About Japanese Lacquerware. This set is finished in. Deep red natural lacquer with hand-applied gold decoration. Traditional Japanese lacquerware is known for. Aging beautifully over time. Because each piece requires skilled manual work. Authentic vintage lacquerware sets like this are increasingly difficult to find. Design & Set Details. Classic red lacquer finish with gold accents. Traditional auspicious pine and plum motifs. Three-piece graduated cup set. Intended for ceremonial and commemorative use. This is not simply a decorative antique. Reflecting Japanese cultural values of duty, completion, and gratitude – preserved in traditional lacquerware form. A meaningful piece for collectors of. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original red lacquer ceremonial sake cup created to commemorate the Imperial Enthronement Ceremony (, Gotairai) of Emperor Showa (Hirohito) in 1928 (Showa 3). The inside of the cup features the bold character?? (“Tamawaru” – “Bestowed” or “Imperial Gift”), symbolizing honor and blessing. Around the outer rim, in gold lacquer, it reads. ? (“Commemorating the Imperial Enthronement Ceremony of Showa 3″). The cup is finished with a fine gilt rim. Box inscription (on the lid interior). The original wooden box has an important inscription, which connects this cup to a later historical event. Right column: Showa 4 (1929), April 25 – Yasukuni Shrine, on the occasion of the Temporary Grand Festival. Center column: Dedication of martial arts demonstrations (?) – bayonet drills and kendo matches were performed. Left column: Signed with affiliation/names (partially in cursive script, preserved as-is). The red circular seal is the mark of the original lacquerware shop. This means the cup, originally made for the 1928 Enthronement, was later dedicated or presented in 1929 at Yasukuni Shrine during a major festival, in connection with martial arts dedication ceremonies. This double provenance-Imperial and martial-greatly enhances its historical value. Who: The Japanese people, martial arts groups, and Shinto community honoring the Emperor. What: A commemorative lacquer sake cup celebrating the Showa Emperor’s enthronement and later used in a Yasukuni Shrine martial arts dedication. When: Cup produced in 1928 (Showa 3); box inscription dated 1929 (Showa 4). Where: The enthronement ceremonies were held in Kyoto; the dedication occurred at Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo. Why: To celebrate the enthronement as a national event, and to dedicate martial arts performances to the spirits of the fallen. How: Such lacquer cups were used in ceremonial banquets and dedication rituals, then preserved in wooden boxes with inscriptions noting the occasion. Japanese lacquer (urushi) is made from the sap of the lacquer tree. It produces a hard, glossy, and durable coating admired for centuries. This cup uses red lacquer (shu-urushi) with gold-painted inscriptions and a gilt rim, typical of high-quality ceremonial vessels. Care: Avoid direct sunlight and alcohol cleaners. Simply wipe gently with a soft dry cloth. Imperial Enthronement + Yasukuni Shrine martial arts dedication – two major historical events connected in one artifact. Large bold character?? inside, symbolizing honor and Imperial blessing. Original inscribed box with provenance, making it valuable as both a ceremonial object and a historical document. Excellent for collectors of Japanese Imperial memorabilia, martial arts history, and Shinto-related artifacts. ? This is not just a sake cup, but a piece of Japanese history with strong connections to the Imperial Enthronement of Emperor Showa and the Yasukuni Shrine martial traditions of the early Showa period. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
This is an original. Imperial Japanese Army commemorative set. Consisting of three historical items dating from the early 20th century to the pre-WW2 period. Each piece reflects a different phase of Japan’s modern military history and was produced as an actual commemorative item rather than for later decoration or reproduction. A heavy pewter sake cup decorated with an eagle and military banner motif. Inside the cup is an engraved. Having offered my life to the Emperor. I celebrate this day of honor. This inscription represents the voice of a. Commemorating survival and honor after the Russo-Japanese War rather than mourning the fallen. Such personalized poetic inscriptions are less common than standard issue victory cups. 2 Imperial Japanese Army – Korea. 78 Discharge Commemorative Sake Cup. Ceramic sake cup inscribed. “Korea – Infantry Regiment 78″. The lower design features a. Map motif extending from Japan toward Korea and Manchuria. Reflecting the geopolitical worldview of the period and Japan’s continental expansion. This cup is a valuable primary artifact documenting the everyday reality of Japanese soldiers stationed on the Korean Peninsula. 3 2600th Imperial Year Commemorative Brass Plaque (1940). Brass commemorative plaque engraved. “Commemoration of the 2600th Imperial Year”. Issued during nationwide celebrations in 1940 (Koki 2600), marking the mythical founding of Japan. Such items were produced for ceremonial and symbolic purposes across military and civil institutions. Together, these items illustrate. The Russo-Japanese War and its veterans. The Japanese Army’s presence in Korea. State ideology and national celebrations leading into WWII. This is not a decorative set, but a. Group of genuine historical artifacts. Reflecting how soldiers and institutions commemorated service, survival, and national identity. All items show expected age-related wear, surface scratches, and patina consistent with original period use. Please review photos carefully. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
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.
This is an original Imperial Japanese Army commemorative sake cup dating to 1931 (Showa 6). Around the rim, the following inscription is clearly written in Japanese. “Showa 6 – Imperial Japanese Army Special Grand Maneuvers”. What were the 1931 Army Special Grand Maneuvers? The Imperial Japanese Army Special Grand Maneuvers were large-scale, officially organized military exercises held periodically to test command structure, troop coordination, and national defense readiness. The 1931 maneuvers are particularly significant, as they were conducted in the same year as the Manchurian Incident, a turning point in East Asian history. These exercises were not ceremonial events, but serious preparations reflecting rising international tensions and Japan’s expanding military posture at the time. As a result, items related to the 1931 maneuvers are regarded today as important pre-war historical artifacts, rather than simple souvenirs. Meaning of the inscription ” (Shinbu)”. The center of the cup bears the gold-lettered phrase. This term can be translated as to inspire and uphold martial spirit. It was commonly used by the Imperial Japanese Army to express ideals of discipline, morale, and duty. Its presence strongly indicates that this cup was produced for an official military occasion, not for private or commercial sale. The special relationship between the Japanese Army and sake cups. In the Imperial Japanese Army, sake cups were deeply symbolic objects. They were used during. Rather than everyday drinkware, these cups served as ritual objects representing loyalty, unity, and remembrance. Commemorative cups bearing specific dates and events were typically distributed only to participants or officials, which makes surviving examples relatively scarce today. Japanese lacquer craftsmanship. This cup is finished in traditional Japanese lacquer (urushi). Japanese lacquerware is known for. Resistance to moisture and decay. Beautiful aging over time. Each piece was hand-coated in multiple layers, making true lacquer items difficult to mass-produce. Even military-issued lacquerware adhered to a certain quality standard, and many were lost or damaged during the war years. The remaining surface wear and aging visible today are consistent with an authentic pre-war lacquer piece and add to its historical character. Shows expected wear, scratches, and surface aging consistent with age. No major cracks or structural damage. This item is offered as a historical artifact, not as functional drinkware. An authentic 1931 Imperial Japanese Army commemorative lacquer sake cup, directly connected to a pivotal year in modern Japanese history. Highly suitable for collectors of. Imperial Japanese military memorabilia. Approximate 7-21days(To USA).
Original Pre-WW2 Imperial Japanese Army Sake Cup – Manchuria Expedition 34th Infantry Regiment, Machine Gun Design, Helmet Shape, Gold Trim. This rare commemorative sake cup was presented to a soldier of the 34th Infantry Regiment of the Imperial Japanese Army upon his discharge after service in Manchuria. The 34th Infantry Regiment, part of the 6th Division (Kumamoto Division), was originally formed in the Meiji period. During the early 1930s, this regiment was sent to Manchuria as part of Japan’s expanding continental operations following the Mukden Incident (1931). After returning home, soldiers who completed their mission were honored with these beautifully crafted commemorative cups, symbolizing their safe return and loyal service. ? Design & Symbolism. Gold Imperial Army Star – the emblem of the Japanese Army. Heavy Machine Gun – representing the regiment’s combat role. Cherry Blossoms – symbolizing bravery and transient life. Helmet-style shape with crossed rifles in relief, a rare and highly collectible design among military sake cups. These cups were not just souvenirs – they were symbols of pride, brotherhood, and survival. Soldiers and their families would toast with them to celebrate the end of service and safe return home. 5.5 cm diameter. Design: Gold-painted Imperial Star, machine gun, and cherry blossoms. Shape: Helmet type, crossed rifles in relief on the base. Condition: Excellent for age; minor wear to gold trim, no cracks or chips. ? Collector’s Note. This cup captures the spirit of prewar Japan – military pride combined with refined craftsmanship. It is not only a wartime relic but also a beautiful artifact of the human stories behind the Manchurian campaign. A valuable piece for collectors of Japanese militaria, early Showa porcelain, or anyone studying Imperial Japanese history. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
Antique imperial japanese sake cup set. Rare Imperial Japanese Navy Commemorative Sake Cup Set. Featuring IJN Aso and IJN Niitaka warships. Inscription: “IJN Aso Long-Distance Voyage Commemoration”. 3cm (1.18 inches) height, 9cm (3.54 inches) diameter. Maki-e design featuring voyage route. Inscription: “Expedition Commemoration, 40,000+ Nautical Miles”. 3.4cm (1.34 inches) height, 8.2cm (3.23 inches) diameter. Material: Ceramic Condition: Good vintage condition. Shows signs of age including minor scratches, light stains, and wear consistent with its 100+ year age. Please see photos for detailed condition. Includes original box (box shows age-related wear). Historical significance: IJN Aso: Participated in WWI, patrolled South Pacific IJN Niitaka: Served in Russo-Japanese War, WWI patrols. Perfect for collectors of Imperial Japanese Navy memorabilia! International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.
Antique imperial Japanese gosake cup. Discover a remarkable artifact from a bygone era: the Antique Imperial Japanese Royal Guard Sake Cup. This cherished piece once graced the hands of those entrusted to protect the Emperor. Featuring kanji for’Royal Guard,’ it reflects a period where honor and duty were paramount. This cup’s possible silver composition, 75mm diameter, and 20mm height make it not just a collector’s gem but a tangible piece of military nobility. Elevate your collection with this symbol of a storied past. International Buyers – Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.