Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Japanese Sake Set Measuring Cup (Masu), 2018 |
Object Name |
Cup, Measuring |
Description |
Japanese Sake Set Measuring Cup (Masu), 2018. Part of a red plastic Japanese New Year sake set that is made to look like lacquer. Sake masu is a small plastic table with a cup attached to the top that would hold 1 fluid oz of liquid (go). Front and front top side of table are decorated with a tree design with a black trunk and gold branches and Japanese apricot (ume) flowers. There are also pine and bamboo sprigs on the side. Affixed cup sits in the top center of the table and measures 1" high x 1.75" in diameter. It has gold paint around the rim. |
Date |
2018 |
Creator |
Unknown |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
2019.006.002 |
Dimensions |
H-5 W-4.25 D-4.25 inches |
Collection |
3D - Food Service Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
Donor address label affixed to bottom |
Notes |
On New Year's Day sake (Otoso): "Otoso is sometimes translated as New Year’s sake, but when written in kanji it reveals a different meaning. The last kanji "?" is believed to be the name of a demon which used to harass villagers, and the middle kanji means to "kill" or "slaughter." Now you can easily guess that the purpose of drinking otoso is to drive away evil spirits around you and to wish for a long life without any disease. The tradition of otoso, which was originally imported from the Tang dynasty in China, where this type of sake was used for medicinal purposes, had been practiced as a new year ritual among the Heian nobility. It was only during the Edo era that it became a commoners’ practice. When you drink otoso, families share the same three special cups. The drinking order generally starts from the youngest person of the group and ends with the oldest, whose purpose is to allow older people to absorb some vitality from the young people." [https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/new-year-traditions-in-japan 03/25/2019] |
Search Terms |
Alcohol Celebration Japanese Japanese - Festivals Japanese Foods Japanese New Year Japanese Americans Wine |
Subjects |
Alcoholic beverages Ceremonial objects Japan |
Credit line |
Courtesy of Diana Okamoto |