Original Imperial Japanese WWII Lot of Three Sake Serving Trays - Two in Boxes

Original Items. Only One Lot Available. Formerly, sake was sold by volume in a wooden box measuring cup, known as a masu which has a volume of one gō (180 ml, 6.3 imp fl oz, 6.1 US fl oz) and was also used to drink. In the past, the wooden box was said to complement the traditionally brewed sake, as it is brewed in a wooden cask, but in modern times, the masu is shunned by sake purists because the wood affects the flavor of the sake.

Furthermore, tradition requires the masu be filled to the rim as a sign of prosperity. Masu are now commonly made of lacquerware or even ABS plastic. As the traditional sake-serving cup and a symbol of prosperity due to sharing the same pronunciation as the Japanese word for increase/proliferate, the masu is still used in modern times for the purpose of ceremony or to show generosity. In some Japanese restaurants, the server may put a glass inside the masu (or put the masu inside a saucer) and pour until the sake overflows and spills into the secondary container to symbolize this wealth.

This is a great lot of three Japanese sake serving trays. They include:

- 12 x 8 ½ x 1” sake tray with what looks to be a Kanji inscription denoting a telegraph regiment, or a temple shrine thereabouts, with a motif showing power lines, very interesting. Comes in original box.
- 9 ¼ x 9 ¼ x 1” sake tray with large crack near center. Heavy chipping of paint and finish. The Kanji translates loosely to 1st Cargo Heavy Infantry Battalion. Heavy damage.
- 9 ¼ x 9 ¼ x ¾” sake tray with Japanese Type 90 style helmet and rising sun flag. The Kanji in the middle reads National love and loyalty. Comes in original box. 

A great lot, ready for display.