This original World War II-era Imperial Japanese Army commemorative sake cup features a beautifully hand-painted crossed flags motif with gilded accents and rich symbolism rooted in the traditions of Imperial Japan. At the center of the design are two prominently rendered military flags—one bearing the golden Imperial Rising Sun of the Army (旭日旗, Kyokujitsu-ki), the other a plain guidon-style flag—both crossed and adorned with golden tassels. The flags are surmounted by a stylized sprig of sasa bamboo leaves, rendered in green enamel and outlined in gold, symbolizing endurance, prosperity, and loyalty. These crossed flags are framed by gold-painted rifles, a rare design element found on higher-quality sake cups commemorating infantry or combined-arms units. This particular motif was favored for its visual impact and martial symbolism, often denoting an association with line infantry, color guard, or garrison duty. Though the kanji characters at the bottom of the cup are partially obscured by age and wear, they appear to form the phrase 勲記 (kunki, “meritorious record”) or 記念 (kinen, “commemoration”), likely part of a longer inscription such as 勲記記念 (kunki kinen), meaning “In Commemoration of Meritorious Service.” These inscriptions were often personalized and painted in gold, indicating this was a private-purchase piece, likely given to a soldier upon discharge, promotion, or after completing military service. Sake cups like this were treasured keepsakes, either presented by fellow soldiers or gifted by one’s commanding officer to commemorate loyal service to the Emperor and the nation. The overall craftsmanship—including the raised footrim, delicately applied gold edging, and balance of form—indicates this was not a mass-produced piece but rather an individually commissioned item made for personal reflection and ceremonial use. These ceramic commemorative cups, or 記念酒杯 (kinen shuhai), represent a poignant aspect of the everyday soldier’s experience—both deeply personal and symbolically rich. This example is a textbook artifact of wartime Japanese military culture and an evocative relic of the Imperial soldier’s journey. At VDG Militaria, we are dedicated to providing collectors with an exceptional selection of original military antiques. Our passion for history and commitment to authenticity ensure that every item we offer is thoroughly researched, accurately described, and meticulously photographed. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of militaria, our curated inventory includes a diverse range of artifacts from various periods and conflicts. From uniforms and insignia to medals and equipment, we aim to connect you with pieces that tell the stories of the past. Our expertise and attention to detail mean you can trust that every item you purchase is genuine and precisely represented. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to make your collecting experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Using the Offer Feature We are pleased to offer a "Make an Offer" feature on our website, allowing you to negotiate the price of items that catch your eye. Once you submit an offer, expect an email from us shortly after. If your offer is accepted, the email will include a special payment link for your convenience. Please check your spam folder if you have strict email filters. We promise to respond to all offers as quickly as possible. If you do not hear from us within one business day, feel free to reach out directly via phone or text at the contact information below to ensure your request is promptly addressed. Contact Us For the fastest response, we recommend reaching out via email or text. We typically reply to emails and text messages the quickest. 📧 Email: vdgmilitaria@yahoo.com
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