Vintage Japanese Mount Fuji Black Lacquerware Sake Set With Six Stemmed Cups, Tray and Original Box - 8 pcs

Details

Description

A wonderfully decorative vintage Japanese black lacquerware drinking service comprising six petite stemmed cups, a coordinating round serving tray and … Read more A wonderfully decorative vintage Japanese black lacquerware drinking service comprising six petite stemmed cups, a coordinating round serving tray and its original fitted presentation case.

The glossy black tray presents an idealized Japanese landscape dominated by snowcapped Mount Fuji. A vermilion torii and red-roofed pagoda rise from a rocky shoreline, accompanied by wind-shaped pine trees, sailing vessels, distant islands, stylized water and flights of birds. Gold, silvery-white and red decoration glows dramatically against the deep black ground, while a small iridescent accent near the shoreline provides an unexpected flash of blue-green color.

Each of the six lightweight cups is formed with a gently flared bowl, short stem and circular pedestal foot, finished with a narrow gold-colored rim. Rather than repeating a single pattern, the vessels carry six complementary scenic compositions depicting Mount Fuji, a torii and temple, a vermilion arched bridge, a red-roofed pagoda, traditional architecture, sailing vessels, pine trees, water and birds. The decoration is concentrated on one side of each cup, leaving the reverse glossy black.

Although commonly described as a sake set, the Western-style stemmed vessels are equally suited to cordial, liqueur, aperitif or after-dinner drink service. Their miniature scale, crisp silhouettes and varied landscape scenes give the group the visual appeal of a collected series.

The original square presentation case is covered in turquoise faux-reptile-patterned material and fitted with a decorative metal clasp and two rear hinges. Inside, gathered ivory satin cradles the six cups while the matching tray is secured within the lid. A purple lifting ribbon introduces a rich counterpoint to the turquoise, ivory and black palette.

For a designer, the set offers considerable visual presence within a compact footprint. Display the open case on a bar cabinet, console or étagère; arrange the cups on their matching tray for cocktail service; or present them in a linear group with the tray raised behind them to showcase the individual scenes.

The dramatic combination of glossy black, warm gold and vermilion works especially well with lacquered furniture, aged brass, blue-and-white porcelain, framed Asian art and richly patterned textiles. It would lend a distinctive collected note to a Chinoiserie dining room, Hollywood Regency bar, Grandmillennial library or traditional maximalist interior.

A charming and increasingly difficult-to-find complete Japanese export service combining recognizable landscape imagery, cocktail-hour scale and the special decorative appeal of its original fitted box.

IDENTIFICATION AND DATING
This set is appropriately identified as Japanese lacquerware, the established term for this category of glossy decorated serving pieces. The lightweight tray and cups appear to have molded synthetic bodies rather than traditional turned or carved wood.

No maker’s name, workshop mark or factory label has been identified. The set is therefore offered as unattributed, and no claim is made that the finish is traditional urushi lacquer or that the ornament is true maki-e.

The coordinated imagery, matching gold-colored rims and consistent cup forms confirm that the six vessels and tray were produced as a unified service rather than assembled from unrelated pieces.

Comparable Japanese export services featuring glossy black molded lacquerware, petite stemmed cups, scenic gilt decoration and fitted presentation cases are generally associated with the mid-20th century. The circa-1950s–1960s date is an informed estimate based on the materials, styling, construction and related examples rather than a documented production date.

The set is best understood as decorative Japanese export barware. While commonly marketed as sake ware, its stemmed vessels are also consistent with Western cordial, liqueur and aperitif service.

DECORATIVE DETAILS
The round tray depicts Mount Fuji above a stylized coastal landscape incorporating a vermilion torii, tiered pagoda, wind-shaped pines, sailing craft, water, birds and distant islands.

The six coordinating cups feature individually varied subjects:

Mount Fuji above boats and stylized water
A torii and temple landscape
A vermilion arched bridge
A red-roofed pagoda among pine trees
A sailing vessel beneath a distant shoreline
Traditional architecture beside water and trees

Each cup has a narrow gold-colored lip and an undecorated glossy-black reverse.

The ornament is described conservatively as gilt and polychrome decoration. Without factory documentation, it is not represented as entirely hand-painted.

KEYWORDS
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