Vintage Japanese Red Lacquer Sake Cup Set Gold Maki-e Dice Game 3 Piece

Overview
This vintage Japanese 3-piece urushi red lacquer sake drinking game set presents a charming synthesis of traditional parlor entertainment and high artisan craft. The collection comprises a shallow sakazuki cup, a deep ochoko cup, and a custom six-sided gaming die, each finished in brilliant vermilion red lacquer and decorated with delicate gold maki-e hand-painting. Representing the celebrated Sho-Chiku-Bai (Pine, Bamboo, and Plum) triad of good fortune, this suite was created for traditional banquet games. Perfectly suited for bar cart styling, East Asian art collections, curio display cabinets, or tabletop accents, this miniature ensemble brings historical playfulness and elegance into modern interiors. Complimentary, fully insured shipping is included with purchase.
Deep Cultural & Historical Background
Crafted during the mid-20th century Showa era, this gaming suite reflects the rich heritage of Japanese lacquerware (Shikki) and banquet entertainment culture. Each piece is constructed with lightweight precision and built up with hand-applied layers of refined natural urushi lacquer. The shallow sakazuki cup features delicate gold maki-e pine needles (matsu), symbolizing longevity and constancy, while the deeper ochoko cup displays elegant plum blossom sprigs (ume), signifying renewal and resilience. The accompanying six-sided red lacquer die is embellished with fine maki-e bamboo motifs (take) alongside traditional game symbols and stylized characters. Together, Pine, Bamboo, and Plum form Sho-Chiku-Bai, the auspicious "Three Friends of Winter." In traditional banqueting customs, such sets were featured in playful games where a roll of the die determined which cup was filled or which participant offered a toast.
Condition & Surface Character
The set remains in good vintage condition with sturdy structural integrity. The vermilion lacquer displays a rich, glossy sheen across all pieces, accompanied by light, age-appropriate edge wear, subtle rim rub, and minor surface contact marks consistent with authentic historical use. The gold maki-e embellishments remain crisp, well-defined, and visually striking against the red background.
Dimensions, Shipping & Display
Shallow Sakazuki Cup: Height: 1.0 inch | Width/Diameter: 2.2 inches | Depth: 2.2 inches
Deep Ochoko Cup: Height: 1.3 inches | Width/Diameter: 1.6 inches | Depth: 1.6 inches
Lacquered Game Die: Height: 0.8 inches | Width/Diameter: 0.8 inches | Depth: 0.8 inches
Weight Profile: Lightweight
Shipping: Free Standard Shipping (Fully Insured & Securely Boxed)
Mounting/Display: Display stand not included.