This is a set of 3 antique Japanese military sake cups, decorated each with a big character and the phrase "Imperial Year 2600 Fleet Review Commemoration" "Hiei". The big characters on the three cups together form the words "Imperial Vessel". This refers to the fact that the Hiei was the ship that the emperor was on during the review. Imperial Year 2600 was 1940, starting the count from when Emperor Jimmu founded the imperial line. It was made into a big deal in Japan at the time, and it also happened to be the last fleet review for the IJN. The Hiei served as the imperial vessel three times in the 1930s including this review in 1940. It then fought in WW2 and was sunk around Savo Island during the First Naval Battle of Guadacanal - the wreck was found this year by Paul Allen's team.

The cups come with original wooden box - with a label for the maker located in Aizu (a traditional lacquer making region) and a tax stamp under the lid

Condition: Excellent - light fading of the gold. The box's lid is cracked due to dryness

Size: 4.25", 3.75" 3" across