Sake Cup 19th century

This 19th century sake cup, crafted by the artist Shomosai, exemplifies the artistry of Japanese lacquerware. The cup, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features a captivating scene of a pine tree and birds rendered in gold against a vibrant red background. This intricate design highlights the traditional Japanese aesthetic, emphasizing nature and the beauty of the everyday. The use of gold and red, vibrant and luxurious, suggests the cup's intended function for ceremonial use, elevating the simple act of drinking sake into a refined art form.