WWII Imperial Japanese Army China Incident Commemorative Sake Bottle Courage

  

This is an original Imperial Japanese Army sake bottle, commemorating the outbreak of the "China Incident" (known in China as the Marco Polo Bridge Incident) in 1937. The porcelain bottle features raised decorations showing soldiers in action, with a gold-colored star and the inscription ("Chuu-Yuu"), which means "Loyalty and Courage"-two of the highest virtues expected of Japanese soldiers. The front design combines cherry blossoms (a symbol of the Japanese military spirit) with a military helmet and sword, evoking the aesthetic of pre-WWII militarism. On the back, the inscription reads?? (Shina Jihen Kinen), literally "China Incident Commemoration, " marking the outbreak of hostilities between Japan and China in July 1937.

What is the "China Incident"? Known in the West as the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, this was a clash between Japanese and Chinese troops near Beijing on July 7, 1937, which escalated into full-scale war-the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War, and in many ways, a precursor to WWII in Asia. These two kanji represent "Loyalty" and "Courage" -core ideals for Japanese soldiers, often inscribed on military gifts and awards to honor bravery and unwavering duty. What's the story with sake bottles and the Japanese Army? Commemorative sake bottles (tokkuri) were commonly presented to soldiers as gifts for service, promotion, or participation in campaigns.

They were both practical (used for sake) and highly symbolic-each piece was a keepsake of a significant event, unit, or personal achievement. This bottle stands out for its raised-relief figures of marching or fighting soldiers, a brown-glazed neck (a common military style), and a prominent golden star-evoking the insignia of the Imperial Army. Such bottles were not mass-market goods, but rather distributed within the military or as gifts to soldiers and their families. Today, they are sought-after collectibles as pieces of history you can hold. Vintage item with minor signs of age.

Please refer to photos for details. Own a Piece of History.

International Buyers - Please Note. Thank you for your understanding.