Handmade Sake Cups Appraisal

Set of Four Japanese Themed Ceramic Sake Cups

This is a set of four cylindrical ceramic sake cups (o-choko), likely used for drinking Japanese rice wine or as novelty shot glasses. Each cup is constructed from white glazed ceramic with a uniform circular rim and slightly tapered base. The exterior of each vessel features a vibrant, wrap-around graphic depicting traditional Japanese cultural scenes. These include figures dressed in kimonos (Geisha or Maiko), architectural elements like pagodas, and landscapes featuring Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms. The color palette is rich with reds, greens, and blues, which appear to be applied via a modern decal or transfer process rather than hand-painting. Each cup stands approximately 2 inches tall and is designed for a single-serving pour. Based on the construction and the style of the imagery, these appear to be mid-to-late 20th-century souvenir items or contemporary mass-produced kitchenware. The condition appears virtuous with no visible chips, cracks, or significant crazing in the glaze, though the transfer motifs show slight alignment variations typical of mass production. The glossy white interior is clean, suggesting light use. There are no maker's marks visible in the primary image, reinforcing their status as common decorative housewares rather than artisan-signed pottery.