Muromachi period (1392-1568), 15th centuryRitual sake vessel with urushi-e design of cranes, pine trees, turtles, and bambooTurned and assembled wood; the entire surface lacquered black and decorated in red lacquerHeight: 38 cmProvenance:Manno collection, OsakaFrom the ancient times up until the Heian Period, sake was brewed mainly as an offering to the gods and served in Shinto shrines in unglazed earthenware vessels. From Kamakura period onwards, large size wooden vessels (heishi) became popular and banquets were held for ceremonies and festivals, where people took turns drinking sake from...