Sake Serving Tray?

[douglas stuart]

Hello, I have this tray made of laquered wood and 21cm across. Presumably it is for serving Sake? Is it an authentic period item (are these reproduced/faked)? And what does the Japanese writing say? Any help will be appreciated. Douglas

[J7W22007]

Hi Douglas,

The Japanese characterss: (From left to right)

野砲兵第四聯隊 (Ya Hou Hei Dai Yon Ren Tai) - 4th Field Artillery Regiment

柑谷 ?? -　Kanya (Name, I might be wrong)

This is out of my field, so have to wait till others' reply. (Looks too new, IMO.)

Best regards,
Taka

[Stu W]

Hello Douglas,

I believe this to be an authentic piece. My understanding is that they were given, usually along with two or four similarily painted Sake cups, to soldiers leaving a unit. The 4th Field Artillery Regiment predates WWII and that tray could well have sat undamaged for many years in a home. For some time I acquired Sake cups and came across trays in similar condition on a regular basis. The lacquer seems to have done an outstanding job of preservation on many of them.

Regards,
Stu

[douglas stuart]

Thanks very much for your help.