Japanese Army 3rd Imperial Guard Infantry Regiment Sake Tray

The lacquered wooden sake tray is approximately 8-1/4 inches by 12 inches. The tray displays the insignia of the Army Imperial Guard, together with the 'Kikusui', or chrysanthemum on the water, a symbol which was the emblem of the family of Kusunoki Masashige, a 14th century samurai who symbolized courage and devotion to the Emperor. In the center are large kanji meaning 'National Glory' (or literally 'Light of the Nation'). The tray also bears the designation of the 3rd Imperial Guard Infantry Regiment. The tray shows typical chips and scratches, with wear to the gilt paint on the edges, but overall the tray makes a very good appearance.