Vintage Japanese Lacquerware Choshi Sake Pourer

A beautifully preserved vintage Japanese choshi (銚子), a traditional lidded pouring vessel used as part of a toso ceremonial sake set.

Crafted from wood and finished in deep black lacquer, this piece is decorated with elegant gold maki-e motifs that extend across the rounded body.

Its long projecting spout, compact body, raised feet, and tall arched handle create a distinctive silhouette that is immediately recognizable as traditional Japanese ceremonial lacquerware.

Beyond its original function, the refined proportions and contrast of black lacquer and gold decoration give the piece a strong sculptural presence.

CHOSHI — TRADITIONAL JAPANESE POURING VESSEL

A choshi is a traditional Japanese vessel designed for pouring sake.

This type is associated with toso ware, traditionally used for serving otoso during Japanese New Year celebrations.

The tall handle allows the vessel to be carried and poured gracefully, while the elongated spout gives the compact body a particularly elegant horizontal balance.

MAKI-E LACQUER DECORATION

The wooden vessel is finished in glossy black lacquer and decorated with gold-toned maki-e.

Maki-e is a traditional Japanese lacquer decoration technique in which metallic powder is used to create imagery on the lacquered surface.

Against the deep black ground, the delicate botanical decoration becomes especially vivid, changing subtly as light moves across the curved body.

FORM & DETAILS

The vessel has a rounded body resting on small feet, with a long tapered spout extending from one side.

A tall arched handle rises above the body, creating a strong vertical counterpoint to the horizontal spout.

The combination of these elements gives the choshi an unusually graphic silhouette when viewed from the side.

USE & DISPLAY

Traditionally, this vessel forms part of a Japanese toso set used for ceremonial New Year sake.

Today it can also be appreciated independently as an example of Japanese lacquer craftsmanship.

Its sculptural form makes it particularly suitable for display on a shelf, console, tabletop, or alongside a collection of Japanese ceramics and lacquerware.

SIZE

Body width: approx. 18 cm / 7.09 in
Height of body: approx. 7 cm / 2.76 in
Height with handle raised: approx. 17 cm / 6.69 in
Opening diameter: approx. 5.5 cm / 2.17 in

Material: Wood, lacquer
Decoration: Maki-e
Type: Choshi / Toso ceremonial sake pourer
Origin: Japan
Period: Vintage

CONDITION

Excellent vintage condition.

This piece has been very well preserved and remains in beautiful overall condition.

There are no noticeable major damages.

Very minor signs of age or storage may be present due to its vintage nature. Please refer carefully to the photographs for the exact condition.

Subtle variations in the lacquer surface and decoration are part of the character of traditional handcrafted lacquerware.

This is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece. The photographs show the actual item you will receive.