Japanese Porcelain Sake Cup Daruma Bodhidharma Guinomi

Description

Japanese ceramic sake cup (guinomi in Japanese) decorated with the hand-painted image of Daruma bodhidharma along with a red wasp and stylized Japanese calligraphy.  This sake cup was made during the mid to late Showa period (1926-1989) and is in good condition with no chips or cracks though it does have some marks and scratches from handling.  The cup was acquired in the beautiful and historic city of Shizuoka, Japan near the foot of Mt. Fuji. Click here to see more sake cups!

Size:
Height: 1.2 inches (3.0 centimeters)
Diameter: 2.1 inches (5.5 centimeters)
Weight: 1.1 ounces (32 grams)

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More about Japanese sake and sake utensils

Sake has long been an important part of Japanese culture.  In the past, sake was considered a very special item, reserved for only the most important occasions, such as weddings, birth celebrations and other auspicious events.  Sake was considered a sacred drink, and accordingly the first glass poured was always offered to the gods before the remainder could be shared among the celebrants.  Sake can be served either warm or cold and special sake flasks are used to both prepare and dispense this unique Japanese drink.  Sake is warmed either by immersing the flask (already filled with sake of course) into warm water until the desired temperature is reached or through the use of a special sake kettle called a choshi.  The latter method however, though common in old Japan, is today usually reserved for ceremonial events only.  Over time, sake utensils, such as cups have developed their own ritual significance which is still evident in modern Japan.  For example, it is today common at Japanese engagement parties for the man and woman to exchange sake cups as a sign of their mutual intent to marry.  Very beautiful sake cups are also given away to celebrate the birth of a child, as these cherished items are considered symbolic of the significance of the new parent-child relationship.  Though normally small in size, sake cups and flasks have long been used in Japan as a medium for the expression of art and calligraphy.  Hand-painted cups and flasks are highly collectable both within and outside Japan and are eagerly sought after by collectors who value their utilitarian nature and artistic splendor.

item code: R3S6B1R6-0005732
category code: SAKECUP
ship code: L1650