Otagiri OMC Japan Sake Cup Set (Kokeshi Girls)

This is a vintage set of six cylindrical ceramic sake cups produced by Otagiri Mercantile Company (OMC) in Japan. The set features a Mid-Century Modern aesthetic, which is evident in the minimalist linework and stylized character designs. Each cup is crafted from a light-colored stoneware or ceramic, likely featuring an off-white or light gray matte glaze. The primary decorative element is a hand-painted depiction of a Kokeshi-style girl on each vessel. These figures are rendered with simple black outlines for the faces and hair, complemented by colorful accents in Earth tones such as ochre, olive green, and terracotta red for their kimonos and hair ornaments. Each figure is unique, displaying different patterns and poses, which speaks to the hand-painted nature of the production. The cups appear to be approximately 3 to 4 inches in height. They are housed in a partitioned wooden presentation box, typical of Japanese giftware from the 1960s or 1970s. The box features thin wooden slats and a textured paper-wrapped base. In terms of condition, the set is listed as 'Like New,' showing no visible chips, cracks, or significant wear to the paint. The presence of the original box adds significantly to the collectibility. These items usually bear the 'OMC Japan' gold foil sticker on the bottom, a hallmark of mid-century Japanese exports intended for the Western market.