Antique Japanese Pewter Bajou-Shaku Samurai Horseback Sake Ladle Cup Engraved
Description
Antique Japanese Pewter Bajou-Shaku - Samurai Horseback Sake Ladle Cup with Hand-Engraved Arabesque Motif (133g)
This is a highly unusual and elegant piece of Japanese metalwork art: an Antique Pewter Bajou-Shaku (馬上杓) dating from the late Edo to the Meiji period (19th century).
The Samurai Culture of Bajou-Shaku: A Bajou-shaku is a specialized, long-handled ladle cup originally designed for samurai and noble travelers to comfortably scoop and drink sake or water while remaining mounted on horseback. The distinctive hook at the end of the curved handle allowed the rider to easily hang the vessel from their belt, saddle, or the rim of a traveling sake barrel.
Artistic & Material Highlights:
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Exquisite Hand-Chiseled Karakusa: The entire outer surface of the cup is completely covered in a dense, masterfully executed Karakusa (Floral Arabesque) motif. Every single leaf and vine was meticulously chiseled by hand using a fine micro-engraving tool, showcase the supreme control of the traditional metalsmith.
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The Luxury of Aged Pewter (Kosaku): Crafted from high-grade ancient pewter (Suzumono / 古錫). In Japan, pewter has been deeply revered since ancient times as the ultimate material for sake utensils, as the natural purifying properties of the metal are believed to mellow and enhance the flavor of the alcohol.
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Tactile Muted Luster: Over the centuries, the pewter has oxidized into a glorious, silky matte silver patina with deep charcoal-grey recesses that make the engraved pattern dynamically pop under the light.
Specifications:
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Type: Bajou-Shaku / Horseback Sake Ladle Cup (馬上杓)
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Material: Fine Antique Pewter (古錫)
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Design: Hand-engraved Floral Arabesque (彫金唐草文様)
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Dimensions: Total Length 17.6 cm x Cup Diameter 5.1 cm x Height 4.4 cm / 6.9 x 2.0 x 1.7 in
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Weight: 133 g / 0.29 lbs
Condition
[English] Excellent Antique Condition. The pewter body retains its beautiful structural integrity with a soft, uniform profile and absolutely no cracks, holes, or dents. The hand-chiseled engravings remain incredibly crisp and sharp. The interior of the cup displays natural, uniform aging and mild oxidation, adding to its authentic vintage character. The included hanging cord is secure.