This is a very rare and unique antique Japanese military sake cup, decorated with a beautiful profile of the Japanese cruiser Soya, which was the former Russian cruiser Varyag that fought in the Battle of Chemulpo Bay and was devastated by the Japanese. The ship was raised and renamed Soya, used as a 2nd class cruiser and then a training ship. The ship was returned in WW1 in 1916 to Russia as they became allies. 

The words on this cup are "Long distance voyage" on the front, and on the back "Taisho 4th Year Warship Soya". Taisho 4th Year was 1915, and was the last full year the IJN had possession of this ship - it was discharged from the navy list in April of 1916. (Incidentally, this item proves that they kept doing training missions even after WW1 started; the wiki entry is incorrect). These long distance trips were taken to train midshipmen, and the ship was sent to North America for long distance training cruises. The cup comes with original box and under the lid is a sticker for the shop that made it - with an address in Yokosuka.

Condition: Mint

Size: 5.25" across