Late 20th Century Japanese 950 Sterling Silver Sake Cup With Imperial Paulownia Crest, Rare Finish and Original Box

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Japanese 950 Sterling Silver Sake Cup With Imperial Paulownia Crest, Rare Finish and Original Box

From the direct source of … Read more Japanese 950 Sterling Silver Sake Cup With Imperial Paulownia Crest, Rare Finish and Original Box

From the direct source of acquisition- an estate sale: this sake cup is a high end award from a Japanese government entity or is used by the government entity itself for ceremonial purposes. Therefore it is 950 sterling silver as opposed to the slightly lesser worldwide standard of 925 sterling- meaning it is a purer grade of sterling silver. I have included pictures of Google translate revealing the translation of the inscription on the bottom of the cup.
There are other inscriptions, but I had less success in having Google translate them. I have included the pictures of the inscriptions.

It weighs 2.4 ounces ( picture included of weight ).

As to the age, It is hard to tell, but I my research tells me that Japan started using styrofoam pre-forms to ship or store delicate items as early as the 1960's, so the the presence of this styrofoam pre-formed perfect-fit backing does not necessarily mean that that this is on the newer side. I am using late 20th century as the loose time frame of manufacture considering also the look, feel and quality of the box and the quality of the thick, flat cord-like purple ribbon.

As to the imperial Paulownia Crest symbol:
My research on ChatBox AI reveals:
The Paulownia crest is a symbol closely associated with the Japanese imperial family. It has been used as the official seal of the Japanese imperial government for centuries and is commonly found on various official and ceremonial items, including sake cups. Additionally, the use of sterling silver for the cup indicates that it was likely of high quality and intended for special occasions.

All of this is to say that this sake cup suggests an imperial or governmental connection and sense of importance and of course, Japanese tradition.

The condition is very good to excellent. See pictures for details. See less