Showa Emperor Enthronement
page 2

Here is a complete gift set from one of these parties, which is rare to find. Included here: chopsticks, tokkuri, sake cup,
small bowl, wood tray, and large bowl. Also included is the original invitation card and envelope. The former is thick
cardboard with a raised gold Imperial mum crest.

The four pieces of pottery are unglazed (except the inside of the tokkuri) and have 'Imperial Gift' in raised kanji. On the
reverse of each piece is this: 'Showa 3 [1928] November 16th, Place: Kobe.' The wood tray has this inscription as well,
but the chopsticks are unmarked.

The invitation card is dated Showa 3 November 1st and states that the party will be held on the 16th starting at noon. At
the far left is the recipient's name and rank: 'Army Second-Lieutenant Tanigaki Senjiro.' The envelope is also marked
with the same name and his hometown: Hyogo Prefecture, Kawabe-gun, Inamura Village. Also included in the envelope
(not shown in the pictures) is a party program and a schemata of the place where the party was held.

The box lid appears to have been written by Tanigaki himself. It states that this set was given by the Imperial household
on the occasion of the Emperor's coronation. Dated Showa 3 November 16th and then Tanigaki's name without the
honorific tomo that is written after names, the absence of which implies that he wrote it.

The box measures 32 cm square, so this is a large set.

No chips or cracks on any of the pottery, but since this is unglazed, they are dirty (especially the sake cup). I am not
sure how this can be cleaned, and I didn't attempt to do it.

The wood tray has a small gap in the center, but this is not damage; the tray was made that way.
To the right you can see the original cloth protective wrappings.
A complete set like this rarely comes on the market.
Inscribed 'Showa Emperor Enthronement, Discharge Commemorative.'
It is strange that an enthronement commemorative would also be
marked as a discharge item. The design has Imperial Ho-o birds, a
propeller, a wrench, and an Army star.
Made at the Kutani kiln.
Lacquered wood cup with gold gilt Ho-o birds, an Imperial Paulonia leaves crest, and
bamboo. The two central kanji read 'Banzai.'
Inscribed on the reverse 'Showa 3 [1928], November, Imperial Event Celebration.' This
refers to the enthronement ceremonies of Emperor Hirohito.