This is an antique Japanese military sake cup, decorated with a map of Taiwan with the name of the island on the map, plus a half badge of the Order of Rising Sun. The words on the back are "1st Imperial Guards Infantry 3rd Company" and in the center "Victorious Return Commemoration". This suggests it is from the 1895 Japanese suppression of Taiwan after they acquired it from the Qing - troops were sent to take over the island and local armed resistance was brutally suppressed by the Japanese army, consisting initially chiefly of Imperial Guard soldiers. 

Condition: One minor chip of the paint at 10 o'clock at the rim, otherwise in excellent condition

Size: 4.25" across