This is a sake cup washer I purchased about 20 years ago on the antique street in Kyoto. What captivated me most was, without a doubt, the clematis arabesque design painted between the windows. The outlines are carefully drawn and filled in. It's a very powerful and dynamic depiction. Looking to the right, there's a square window. Plum blossoms and grass. You can feel the strong vitality of the grass. The balance between the sky, plum branches, and grass is excellent. The shading in the square window makes it feel like a real view from a window. It's painted on a curved surface, almost like a trompe-l'oeil. The skill is amazing. It's astonishing that this level of artistry was conceived and painted during the Edo period. I don't think the photos can convey it, so please take your time to examine it closely in person. Inside the cloud window on the left, there's bamboo. The tips are deliberately not drawn, leaving the space in between. This allows the viewer's imagination to create a sense of spaciousness. The exterior features a combination of wave patterns. In the central round window, is it a leaping fish? Interesting, isn't it? Recently, it's also been used as a flower vase. Because it's shallow and has a wide opening, it's used as a water basin for flower arrangements. It could also be used like a compote. In fact, it's said that Western compotes are based on sake cup washers exported during the Edo period. Western-style arrangements are also nice. I place a large plate on top and use it as a cake stand for afternoon tea. The guests' reactions are very positive, and we have a wonderful time. Before placing the plate, I hide some small sweets in the sake cup washer. When I say, "Let me tidy up a bit," and remove the plate, there's a surprise of sweets! You can do things like that. I also put tiramisu in it. They say, "There was still something big in there!" Also, if you put ice in it and place cakes or cream-based sweets on top, it will keep them cool and slow down the melting of the cream. And so on, it's highly recommended because you can show consideration for your guests. Of course, it's a beautiful item to display, so I hope you like it. I hope it will be received by someone who will cherish it. There are no noticeable chips or cracks. There is a black mass (insect egg) in the back of the bottom. It has been there since I purchased it, and I have displayed it as a good luck charm for fertility. If you are concerned, please soften it with hot water and scrape it off. Size: Approximately 10.5 cm in height Approximately 13.5 cm in diameter