A pair of striking containers for sake used in the Shonai area (in
present northwest Yamagata Prefecture) of Japan. These were made as
iwai-daru (ceremonial casks) for betrothal ceremonies, when the
groom sent sake to the family of his bride-to-be, and for wedding
ceremonies. This particular example is called a tsuno-daru
(horned cask) and has the conventional bucket shape with a cross-bar for
carrying but with exaggerated handles that give it the horned look.
Each cask measures 31” high by 24” wide and is made of wood and bamboo
with red and black lacquer. There is a crest and perhaps a signature on
the horns. Meiji Period, 19th century. #8017 $3600
