This is an antique Japanese military sake cup, decorated with a pair of flags and the words "Warship Hashidate Long Distance Voyage Return Commemoration" and the sailor's name Akabori. The Hashidate is the third in the Matsushima class of cruisers named after the Three Views of Japan, ordered in 1880s and fitted with a rare Canet gun. Unlike the other two ships of the class, Hashidate was constructed in Japan. The Hashidate participated actively in the first Sino Japanese War and also had a more minor role during the Russo Japanese War. I am currently also selling a cup from its sister ship Matsushima. This cup is probably given to someone who came back from one of the training cruises that it took after it was assigned as a training vessel as it became obsolete in this era when warships were upgraded very quickly.

Condition: Mint

Size: 3.25" across