This is an antique Japanese military sake cup, decorated with a striking design of sun with rays. There are four words "Cultivate the virtuous and cut off evil" in the center of the sun. The words on the exterior are "NCO Cadet Volunteer" and the soldier's full name Suguri Ninsaburo. The words in the middle are "18th Years Old". This is probably a kid who volunteered as he hit 18th birthday.

As an aside - I don't understand why this cup's design isn't more common. It should be - because it looks good and really is pretty simple to do, I think, but it's not. It's a strange thing.

Condition: Mint. There are some black marks on some of the rays

Size: 3.25" across