#sake cup

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Furisode like that are such novelty items. Like OP, I wonder why such a garment was commisionned, and who wore it and where!

Tanuki Cup // UnderfootVintage

Made of glass, ceramic, metal, or wood, ochoko (お猪口 ) saké cups usually come in a set. These sets will often come with tokkuri, a small flask that holds the saké. They can come with three to four cups or, if they're astrologically themed, in a set of 12. One of the benefits of ochoko is that it is suitable for both warm and cold saké. Compared to other cups, it can handle a variety of temperatures while maintaining the taste and aroma of the beverage. It is also advantageous to quickly grasp the colour and clarity of the saké. Generally, the smaller the ochoko cup, the more flavours are pronounced. If the cup’s rim is narrow, then the sweetness is enhanced. The acidic notes are more direct if the cup’s rim is thicker. The different materials of ochoko can also influence the taste of the saké. Ochoko made from pottery usually have rounder edges, enhancing the sweet notes of Japan’s beverage of choice and, because the cup is light, is more suitable for rich and dry saké. Ochoko made from tin is said to mellow out flavours and is suited for warm saké. Ochoko’s name comes from the Japanese phrase, Chotto, which means “just a little.” Over time, this phrase became synonymous with the alcoholic sipping culture in Japan. Historically, ochoko were not used as saké cups. Instead, they were used as small pots to store different kinds of vinegar and sauces in the kitchen or on dinner tables. However, in the Edo period (1603-1867), ochoko began to be used more prominently at saké parties. Originally sakezuki was used as a vessel to hold saké but couldn’t hold much. Around this time, making saké became more developed, and alcoholic volume grew. As the alcoholic volume of saké grew, people sought other vessels to hold saké. So people decided to use ochoko, as it could hold more saké than sakezuki. The ochoko cup quickly became very popular due to its size. The cup’s size also promoted sipping instead of gulping, which made the parties last longer! As ochoko became popular, it also influenced social gatherings in Japan. Since ochoko can hold a small but considerable amount of saké, the amount filled can reflect your social status. In saké culture, it is customary to fill others’ cups. Those who always have a full ochoko at a party are typically of high status.

When you turn 100 in Japan, you get a free gift. Click to read the full fact.

The traditional painting method by which this set of striking Kyo-Shikki cups are given their beautiful colors is called “Byakudan-nuri”. It takes advantage of the distinct characteristics of lacquer and becomes glossier the more you use it. Kyo Shikki, also known as Kyoto lacquerware has a rich history that flourished alongside the rising popularity of the tea culture in Japan.

あともう四つ。こちらも漆で仕上げる予定。