This is an antique Japanese military sake cup, decorated on the front with a police badge which the Kempeitai also used. The words on the back are "Showa 13th Year November Higashikuninomiya Prince Akitsune Coming of Age Ceremony Guard Commemoration". The name of the maker "Kaga Kutani" is in the middle. In Japan "coming of age" is a big deal. These days it's normally held at age 20. At that time Prince Akitsune was attending the military academy - which may be why he was made an adult early. He graduated from the military academy in 1940 and became an army captain (his father was a general). This would be a cup for a soldier who had to stand guard at the ceremony - a pretty rare honor and would be only a small number of soldiers.

Condition: Mint

Size: 3" across