Haisen, which are generally large porcelain bowls with a stem base, were used in the ritual of sharing sake. Although rinsing bowls had been used since the Edo period, this specialized shape was adopted during the Meiji period. In the nineteenth century and into the twentieth, they were considered indispensable at drinking parties, where one important feature was the exchange of sake cups between the host and his guests. The host first asked for the guest’s cup and toasted him. The cup was then returned to the guest who returned the compliment by drinking to his host. During these exchanges, the cup was rinsed in water held in a special cup-washing container such as this one, which was placed in the center of the table. Even after World War II haisen were used at swank restaurants where old customs persisted. After the 1960’s they became less common and have nearly disappeared today. (See examples of haisen in “Appeal of Old Tableware” by Nagasaka Sadao, DARUMA 8.) A very decorative design. The pleasing polychrome enamels have a lovely soft tone, and condition is excellent. Dimensions: 6 1/8” diameter, 4 ¾” high.