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Japanese Lacquer Makie Sake Cup Sakazuki Set of 3 Gold Kirin Phoenix DragonMB689
Description
A beautiful antique Japanese Wajima lacquer three-piece sake cup set (Mitsugumi Sakazuki) crafted from wood and finished in brilliant Shu-nuri red lacquer, with exceptionally detailed Chinkin (沈金 / gold-inlaid engraving) decoration. Dating from the Meiji to Taisho period, this elegant ceremonial set demonstrates the refined craftsmanship for which traditional Wajima lacquerware is renowned.
The three graduated cups are individually decorated with auspicious mythological creatures: a Kirin, a Phoenix (Ho-o), and a powerful Dragon. Each design is rendered in finely engraved gold lines against the vivid red lacquer ground, creating a striking contrast while allowing the detailed feathers, scales, clouds, flames, and flowing forms to remain clearly visible.
The largest cup features a dramatic dragon emerging through sweeping currents and swirling lines, while the middle cup depicts an elegant phoenix surrounded by flowering branches. The smallest cup portrays a lively Kirin among stylized clouds and vegetation. Together, these three creatures represent highly auspicious imagery associated with prosperity, virtue, peace, authority, and good fortune in traditional East Asian art.
The decoration was created using the traditional Chinkin technique, in which designs are carefully carved into the hardened lacquer surface and the recessed lines are filled with gold. This demanding process allows extremely fine linework and gives the motifs their characteristic brilliance while preserving the smooth surface and rich depth of the lacquer.
The cups are arranged as a traditional Mitsugumi, or nested set of three graduated sake vessels. Such sets were often used during formal celebrations, family ceremonies, weddings, and other auspicious occasions, where the layered presentation and symbolic imagery added both elegance and meaning to the ritual use of sake.
The undersides are finished in matching red lacquer, and the raised circular foot rings provide a graceful traditional profile when displayed from the side. The cups are accompanied by their original-style wooden storage box, adding further historical character to the set.
This is an attractive example of Japanese Wajima-nuri lacquer craftsmanship, combining functional ceremonial ware with highly accomplished decorative engraving. The strong red-and-gold palette, mythological subjects, and graduated composition make the set especially suitable for collectors of Japanese lacquerware, sake utensils, Meiji-period decorative arts, or traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description. Age-related surface wear, minor marks, lacquer wear, and signs of historical use may be present, consistent with its Meiji–Taisho period age.
Size
Small Cup
- Height: Approx. 3.1 cm (1.2 in)
- Diameter: Approx. 9.5 cm (3.7 in)
Medium Cup
- Height: Approx. 3.5 cm (1.4 in)
- Diameter: Approx. 10.9 cm (4.3 in)
Large Cup
- Height: Approx. 4.0 cm (1.6 in)
- Diameter: Approx. 12.0 cm (4.7 in)
Total Weight
- Approx. 276 g
Condition
Antique/UsedAn old antique collection. Please check the status in the picture
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Shipping policyWe strive for the fastest possible shipping. Depending on the shipping area, we ship via FedEx or Japan post(EMS)Estimated delivery timesFedEx: 3-7daysJapan post(EMS): 4-12daysReturn policyIf the purchased collectible is different from the description, you may request a return within 30days of receipt of the item.Please notify us of your intention to return through an Message.When returning a product, it must be sent through a trackable service.Additionally, all returned items must be in good condition upon receipt,Buyer is responsible for the return postage, and the original shipping fee is non-refundable.If a package is returned to us due to your refusal to accept it,the original shipping cost and return postage will be deducted from your refund.For information on the refund of customs duties generated during return, please inquire at the customs office in your countryAbout customs dutiesImport duties, taxes, and other charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges.These fees are the buyer\'s responsibility.Please check with your country\'s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be before offerding or buying.About antiques & vintage collectionDrawing on our 20 years of experience, we do our best to provide accurate information in the collectibles\' descriptions.Please contact us before making a purchase if you have any questions about the condition of the collectibles.
