This is an antique Japanese military sake cup with original stand. The cup is done in gold and decorated with a pine tree branch, with the words "1st Guards Infantry Officer Corps". The stand is also decorated with a pine branch on top with two silver cranes. The words on the bottom of the stand are also "1st Guards Infantry Officer Corps". The 1st Infantry Regiment of the Guards was special - it was the unit that future emperors would serve in, both Taisho and Showa. The unit enjoyed the closest connection with the emperor and was thus more prestigious than the rest. This cup and stand, likewise, are obviously well decorated and would be (and would still be today) considered high class items.

Condition: The cup has a small chip of the paint at 4 o'clock and a couple black spots on the rim at 12 o'clock. Otherwise in great condition. The stand has slight cracking where the legs meet the base, but it's fairly minor and is in very good condition.

Size: Cup is 4" across. The base is 4.75" x 4.75" x 4.5" tall