Vintage Japanese Porcelain Sake Set (Tokkuri and Sakazuki), Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0489

Vintage Japanese Porcelain Sake Set (Tokkuri and Sakazuki), Early Showa 1927-1945 | SKU: 26J-0489

A polychrome porcelain sake service adorned with soaring cranes and rolling waves -- a celebration of auspicious Japanese symbolism in handcrafted ceramic.

A tokkuri is a traditional Japanese sake flask used to pour and sometimes warm nihonshu (sake), while sakazuki are the shallow footed cups from which it is sipped. This vintage Japanese ceramic sake set dates to the Early Showa period and showcases a striking two-tone decorative scheme: the rounded globular body of each tokkuri is painted in overglaze polychrome enamel with lively flying cranes rendered in red, green, and blue against a bright white ground, while the flared neck band and the cylindrical pedestal bases of the sakazuki cups are decorated in rich underglaze blue with crashing waves and plum blossom motifs. The contrast between the vivid crane decoration and the deep cobalt blue wave bands is characteristic of refined Japanese porcelain craft of this era. A handwritten maker's mark is visible on the base of each tokkuri, lending an artisan quality consistent with studio or small-kiln production. The sakazuki cups are footed in a tall pedestal style -- an elegant form associated with celebratory and formal sake service in Japanese culture.

Today this set makes a stunning living room accent or dining table centerpiece for anyone drawn to Japandi style or wabi-sabi aesthetic. Displayed on an open shelf or sideboard, the paired tokkuri flasks and footed sakazuki cups create a compelling tableau of vintage Japanese craft. The set can of course still be used for serving sake at gatherings, bringing an authentic touch of Japanese vintage tableware to dinner parties or special occasions. It also works beautifully as a unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics and Asian decorative arts.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1927-1945 (Early Showa)
• Material: White porcelain with overglaze polychrome enamel (red, green, blue crane motifs) and underglaze cobalt blue wave and plum blossom decoration; handwritten maker's mark on base
• Use: Sake service -- tokkuri flasks for pouring nihonshu; footed sakazuki cups for drinking
• Modern Use: Decorative display set for living room or dining room shelving; functional sake service for entertaining; unique gift for collectors of Japanese ceramics or Japanophiles
• Features: Pair of globular tokkuri flasks with side spout and flared neck; multiple footed sakazuki cups on tall cylindrical pedestals; bold flying crane overglaze decoration on white body; cobalt blue underglaze wave and plum blossom bands on neck and pedestal bases; handwritten artisan mark on base of each flask
• Dimensions: 4"Diameter x 4 3/4"H
• Condition: Excellent

A beautifully preserved piece of vintage Japanese ceramic art -- this tokkuri and sakazuki sake set brings the elegance of Early Showa craftsmanship and auspicious crane symbolism to any modern home or collection.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.