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Description
This is an original Imperial Japanese Navy commemorative sake bottle (Tokkuri) made to mark the completion of military service.
The piece is inscribed with:
“Navy Service Completion Commemoration”
and the personal name “Okamoto”
This indicates it was awarded to an individual sailor at the end of his service, making it a deeply personal historical artifact.
■Cultural & Historical Background
In the Imperial Japanese military, especially the Navy, sake bottles like this were not just tableware.
They were used during:
- Service completion (discharge) celebrations
- Farewell gatherings between comrades
- Moments of relief after duty or deployment
These objects symbolized camaraderie, survival, and transition back to civilian life.
Owning this piece means holding a tangible connection to one sailor’s life story.
■Design Details
This Tokkuri features classic Imperial Japanese Navy symbolism:
- Anchor motif (naval identity)
- Rising Sun flag (military emblem of the time)
- Crane (symbol of longevity and good fortune)
These elements reflect wishes for safe return, honor, and long life.
■Why This Is Rare
- Imperial Japanese Navy items are significantly rarer than Army items
- Personally named artifact (“Okamoto”) – one-of-a-kind
- Issued for service completion (not mass commercial product)
- Decorative ceramic piece with strong visual appeal
Named Navy memorabilia is especially desirable among collectors.
■Condition
Shows age-related wear and minor glaze loss.
No major damage. Overall good condition for its age.
■Size
Height: approx. 15 cm
This is more than a sake bottle.
It is a personal milestone, marking the end of service and the survival of war.
Own a Piece of History.
Shipping
Fedex or Japan post
International Buyers - Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to offerding or buying.
Thank you for your understanding.
