Antique Japanese urushi lacquer red cups – gilded maki-e shōchikubai (pine, bamboo, and plum blossom) motifs

📋 Features

• Origin: Japan, discovered in Yamaguchi Prefecture
• Estimated period: Shōwa period, 1950s-80s
• Material: Wood lacquered with natural urushi 漆, vermilion red finish
• Type: 三つ組盃 (mitsugumi sakazuki) — set of three stackable sake cups
• Decoration: Shōchikubai 松竹梅 (pine, bamboo, plum) motifs made with gold maki-e 蒔絵, hand-applied
• Dimensions:
  • Small cup (matsu 松): diameter ~13 cm; height ~4.5 cm
  • Medium cup (take 竹): diameter ~15 cm; height ~4.5 cm
  • Large cup (ume 梅): diameter ~17 cm; height ~5 cm

Condition: Vintage — Very good condition. The red lacquer is bright and even, in good condition. Fine and well-preserved maki-e decoration, small mark on the underside of one of the cups (see photos)

Description

This set of three Japanese sakazuki in urushi lacquer 漆 follows the tradition of mitsugumi sakazuki (三つ組盃), sake cups of progressive sizes used during ceremonies or festive occasions.

Made of lacquered wood covered with urushi, these pieces feature a deep vermilion red hue, typical of Japanese tableware. The glossy surface highlights the delicate work of maki-e 蒔絵, a traditional technique consisting of applying gold powder to still-wet lacquer to create refined motifs.

Each cup is adorned with an element of the shōchikubai 松竹梅 trio: the pine (matsu 松), symbolizing longevity and constancy; the bamboo (take 竹), representing resilience and uprightness; and the plum tree (ume 梅), associated with renewal and hope, as it blooms at the end of winter.

This trio is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is considered an auspicious motif, often used during festive occasions or as a symbol of prosperity and happiness.

With their progressive dimensions (三つ組 mitsugumi) and elegance, these sakazuki can be used for serving or simply displayed as decorative objects showcasing the refinement of Japanese craftsmanship.

🧽 Care Instructions

• Hand wash in lukewarm water with a soft sponge
• Wipe immediately with a dry cloth
• Do not soak
• Do not expose to sunlight or heat sources
• Do not use in dishwasher or microwave
• Avoid very acidic foods

🦝 Why we love these cups

A set of matching sakazuki lacquers featuring the shōchikubai motif, a strong symbol of Japanese culture.
Elegant urushi pieces in very good condition, perfect for enjoying sake, or simply for enhancing a table or enriching a collection of antique Japanese craftsmanship.

Discover also our "Tableware" collection, where other lacquers, as well as porcelains and ceramics, perpetuate the elegance and delicacy of Japanese craftsmanship.