Sake Cup (sakazuki) in the Form of a Chrysanthemum

Description This shallow cup is one of three, decorated by a chrysanthemum in full bloom. In an old-fashioned wedding ceremony, both the bride and the groom sipped sake from each of three cups; sake was considered a purifying agent.

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters