Interesting Sake Bottle & Cup

[Eric Doody]

I picked this interesting sake bottle & cup up last month.

The bottle is marked "Ziyosen [the name of the sake?] Spring Like Superior Sake" on one side and "Man [the name of the sake shop?] Sake Shop Kokura [a city in Fukuoka Prefecture]" on the other side. The inside of the cup is marked "Fortune, blessing, luck, etc."

The cup is attached to the bottle via a small cord. On the opposite end of the cup is a cork that fits into the bottle.

Here are some photos of the sake bottle and cup...

[Eric Doody]

Here is the second photo...

[Eric Doody]

Here is a close-up of the exterior of cup...

[Sebastian Bianchi]

Here is the second photo...

This may be a silly question, but what exactly is Sake? I know it's a liquour, and that is all.

And would this be a household item, or something a person would carry around somehow?

[RoyA]

This may be a silly question, but what exactly is Sake? I know it's a liquour, and that is all.

Sake is rice wine.

Eric, that is one cool bottle

Roy

[coastie]

This may be a silly question, but what exactly is Sake? I know it's a liquour, and that is all.

And would this be a household item, or something a person would carry around somehow?

OOOOOOOOOH SAKE! Love the stuff, it's a fermented rice drink, you could call it a wine I don't think that's proper because it is distilled. Sake is drank two ways most popular is warm, in small cups. or chilled. (like it either way). It runs from quite cheap to very expensive. If you want to try some look for some asian markets and give it a go.

[coastie]

I'm surprised that there isn't any other threads on Sake cups, and bottles, the Japenese used them for many military ceremonies and such. There is a book out "Japanese Military Sake Cups 1894-1945" that is quite interesting.

I may just have to show some of my sake cups later if there is any interest.

[Eric Doody]

Sebastian,

Sake is fermented rice wine. (If you would like me to go into more detail let me know.)

Sake is associated with religious rituals and festivals and is served at traditional ceremonies and at weddings throughout Japan.

Folks purchase sake like we would whiskey, rum, etc., and would keep it on hand for special occasions. One can also purchase sake in restaurants and bars as well.

Hope this helps.

Eric

This may be a silly question, but what exactly is Sake? I know it's a liquour, and that is all.

And would this be a household item, or something a person would carry around somehow?

[Eric Doody]

It sounds like we have some forum members whom have experienced sake before.

I recommend drinking atsukan or "hot" sake.

Let's see some photos of those sake cups and bottles that are in other collections.

Here is a photo of the sake bottles in my collection...

[coastie]

It sounds like we have some forum members whom have experienced sake before.

I recommend drinking atsukan or "hot" sake.

Let's see some photos of those sake cups and bottles that are in other collections.

Here is a photo of the sake bottles in my collection...

A number 1 GI! Great bottles!

[Eric Doody]

Charlie,

Thanks for the feedback.

Yes, it's always better to be Number 1 than Number 10 that's for sure.

Japanese Military Sake Cups 1894-1945 is a good reference book to have if you collect, or are thinking about collecting, Japanese sake cups, bottles, trays, etc.

Eric

[J.von Canon]

Saki

Beautiful bottles and saki cups.
Saki,when served hot,should be around 98 degrees warmth(body temp.)as it almost is absorbed immediately before hitting the stomach.
I was told this while in Japan and it's a unique feeling...
I also understand that Kamikaze pilots drank a "death toast"before flying last missions,drinking water,rather than saki, from ceremonial saki cups.
Can anyone give an address for the saki cup book mentioned earlier?
J.v.C.

[RoyA]

Eric, your collection is superb!!

Here's an Urushi lacquered-wood sake cup that I have. It's a large one measuring about 4" across the top. The Army helmet, katana and chrysanthemums are hand painted.

Roy

[Eric Doody]

J.von Canon,

Thanks for the feedback and additional information on sake.

Here is the information on the book that was reference:

Japanese Military Sake Cups 184-1945
by Dan King
ISBN: 0-7643-1881-0
$59.95

Published by
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road
Atglen, PA 19310 USA
www.schifferbooks.com

Let us know how you make out.

Eric

Beautiful bottles and saki cups.
Saki,when served hot,should be around 98 degrees warmth(body temp.)as it almost is absorbed immediately before hitting the stomach.
I was told this while in Japan and it's a unique feeling...
I also understand that Kamikaze pilots drank a "death toast"before flying last missions,drinking water,rather than saki, from ceremonial saki cups.
Can anyone give an address for the saki cup book mentioned earlier?
J.v.C.

[Eric Doody]

Roy,

Super cup!

Do you have the wooden storage box that would have came with the cup?

Eric