This object is a vintage mid-20th-century Japanese sake cup (ochoko) designed with a glossy black glazed exterior and decorated with various kamon (traditional Japanese family crests) rendered in gold gilt.

Design Details

The Crests: The golden circular medallions arranged around the cup display prominent samurai and noble clan symbols. For instance, the central crest featuring crossed feathers inside a circle depicts Taka-no-ha (hawk feathers), while the multi-petaled circular crests represent classic floral mon such as the plum blossom (Ume) or paulownia (Kiri).

The Bottom Stamp: The orange-red ink stamp on the unglazed base reading "JAPAN" or "MADE IN JAPAN" was standard practice for ceramics manufactured during the late Taisho, Showa, or mid-century eras. These stamps were routinely added to comply with international customs and import laws for goods exported to Western markets