This is a very rare and stunning looking antique Japanese lacquer sake cup, decorated in the center with a golden kite perched on top of a cannon, with shells on the sides and three rifles behind it and a katana on the ground. Behind the golden kite is a sun with rays, and in the background, ships on one side and a sinking ship on the other. The words on the back of the cup are "Gifted by Niigata Shobukai". Shobukai was a right wing organization that promoted martial arts and militarist values. The cup comes with original wooden box. Under the box are the words "Meiji 27/28th Years War Commemoration Cup" "Expedition Soldier Namiki Bankichi" - it also seems to indicate that he was 27 years old when the war started.

Condition: Mint

Size: 4.25" across