History of Japanese sake cup

Until Heian period (794-1185）

From prehistoric times until around the Heian period (794-1185), when sake belonged to the gods, sake was served in earthenware vessels, but since the Middle Ages, large wooden cups lacquered with vermilion were used and large groups of people drank cold sake together in a feast. Since sake at that time had only about half the alcohol content of today's sake, people did not become intoxicated after a few drinks.

Early modern period

In the early modern period, the alcohol content of sake became higher, and with the development of red light district, the form of drinking parties became smaller, so the size of the cups became smaller and various types of ceramic sake cups were made.