Kimasu

This wooden masu is assembled without nails or adhesive. Use this traditional Japanese measuring cup to serve cold sake as it’s done in Japanese izakaya pubs, or bring good luck to your home by putting it to use as a storage container for nuts or beans or as a decorative object. With a history of more than 1,300 years in Japan, the masu was originally used as a measuring cup for rice and soy sauce. In a time when rice was treated as currency, it was therefore a highly-valued tool. Today masu are used as vessels for sake –glasses are placed inside and poured to overflowing; when the glass is empty the liquid in the masu is used to refill it—or as containers for beans. Because they have come to symbolize good luck, they play an important role in felicitous celebrations and important occasions.