Pair of sake bottles

Pair of sake bottles

Japanese, 18th or early 19th century

Urushi lacquer

For May, we have chosen this pair of sake bottles decorated with urushi lacquer, gold and silver powder, and gold leaf. The design on the bottles includes tachibana (a type of citrus) and pine trees. Both trees symbolise longevity. One of the first historical records compiled in Japan, the Nihon Shoki, claimed that the first tachibana citrus tree was brought back from the underworld and planted near Nara prefecture. Many ancient poems celebrated the tree. The pine is a symbolism of longevity as an evergreen which can live for hundreds of years. Also included in the design are minogame (mythical turtles) and cranes. These animals are said to live for thousands of years. These themes of longevity were the perfect choice for these sake bottles, as they were made to be included in a set of wedding gifts.

Daimyō (regional lord) wedding set with pine, bamboo, and cherry blossom decoration, Japanese, 19th century, Metropolitan Museum, object number 10.7.1-.31

The bottles are decorated with a family emblem, or kamon, of either the bride’s family or the new family that she was marrying into. The kamon has a design of five-petalled plum blossoms, which was used by the Maeda clan of the Kaga domain, so these sake bottles may have belonged to a bride of the Maeda family. The Maeda clan was one of the wealthiest during the Edo period (1600s – 1800s), when these bottles would have been made. For the upper classes, a bridal set would have included many high-quality items. A handbook from the Edo period listed nearly 400 recommended items to include, for example incense boxes, cosmetic boxes, mirror stands, comb and hair ornament boxes, calligraphy utensils, and containers for writing paper. These items would become family heirlooms that could be passed down through generations.

Tray made for a wedding set with kamon symbolising the union of two families, 18th century, Chiddingstone Castle collection, object number 01.1283

An important part of a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony is when the couple drink from a set of stacked sake cups to signify their union. Sake has a sacred significance, as it has been used as an offering to the gods in ancient times. Sake became an important feature of ceremonies, celebrations, and social gatherings. In the Edo period, sake was enjoyed by different social classes in restaurants, theatres, and as part of picnics. A pair of matching sake bottles facilitated sharing and serving one another.

Sake cup with a street scene, 19th – early 20th century, Chiddingstone Castle collection, object number 01.0807

The quality of the sake bottles, which are densely decorated with gold and silver powder, confirms that they were made for a wealthy member of the upper class. During the Edo period, the government issued laws limiting the use of luxurious materials such as gold by the lower classes, for example the merchant class. The aim was to maintain the social hierarchy, during the peaceful and stable period when the fortunes and opportunities of the merchants increased, whilst some members of the samurai class had to supplement the income from their land by borrowing from merchants to support their lifestyle. Merchants however did find ways of bending the restrictions, for example by lining their clothing with luxurious silks or wearing a small (and therefore less noticeable) but expensive inro or lacquer accessory case hanging from their belt.

Inro with a design of fireflies, signed Kōma Kyuhaku, 19th century, Chiddingstone Castle collection, object number 01.1988

The pair of sake bottles can be viewed in the Castle’s entrance hall as part of a display introducing the collections of Denys Eyre Bower. The Japanese Room unfortunately remains closed while we prepare to restore the damaged ceiling. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for further announcements about the room, and for dates of upcoming Japanese object viewing sessions. The sessions are an opportunity to view items from the Japanese collection and are included in admission tickets.

This object is just one of the many objects that form part of Denys Eyre Bower’s five impressive collections which include Ancient Egyptian, Japanese, Buddhist, Stuart and Jacobite, and Books. For more information on these objects, review our Object of the Month series, visit the Historic House and Collections or contact our Curator, Naomi Collick by email or by calling 01892 870347.