Japanese Hinoki Masu

Masu are Japanese sake cups made of Hinoki cypress. The masu are a traditional measuring tool for rice made of the same cypress wood used in building Shinto shrines. This association makes masu an auspicious choice for celebrations. 

Sake is often served in a style called sosogi-koboshi, to pour to spill over, where a glass is placed inside of the masu and sake, typically chilled, is poured generously. The overflow is caught in the masu and is a gesture of generosity. 

This is an unusual set of seven hand-painted masu. 3.25" square and 2.25" in height, holding about 4 oz.