234 Kinrande Dragon-Motif Sake Cup
Height: 4.0 cm; Mouth Diameter: 6.1 cm; Base Diameter: 2.5 cm
Zengo
235 Kinrande Cloud-and-Crane-Motif Sake Cup
Height: 4.0 cm; Mouth Diameter: 6.4 cm; Base Diameter: 2.3 cm
Both pieces are small, slightly flared morning glory-shaped cups of nearly identical form, with rims shaped like delicate floral rings. In Fig. 234, the interior features a blue-and-white design of a rough coastal wave pattern within a circular window, with a band of lines around the rim; the exterior vividly depicts a double-dragon design in gold on a red ground. Inside the footring, the blue-and-white inscription “Made by Eiraku, Great Japan” is written within a double circle. The lid of the matching box bears the inscription “Kinrande Sake Drinking Set: Koji-yaki Cup Stand,” indicating that it was made as a set with a green Koji-yaki cup stand. The underside of the lid is inscribed with “Seiho-zō.”
Fig. 235 is decorated with gold on a red ground both inside and out; the exterior features a cloud-and-crane design with cranes and clouds arranged on three sides, while the interior features a Tang-style floral and scroll design. The interior surface depicts a blue-and-white design of chrysanthemums and dragonflies within a circular window. Inside the footring is the underglaze blue inscription “Made by Dai-Nippon Eiraku,” while the lid of the accompanying box bears the inscription “Hariki Kinrande Sake-drinking Vessel” on the front and “Seal: Hozon-zō” on the back.
