Japanese vintage miniature urushi makie gold sake cups set of 3 wooden cup "升Masu" (rise) with "kanji" black red H1.3×2.5in/H3.2×6.3cm

Japanese vintage miniature urushi makie gold sake cups set of 3 wooden cup "升Masu" (rise) with "kanji" black red H1.3×2.5in/H3.2×6.3cm.

This is a miniature of a set of small sake cups, similar to the containers called “升masu” in Japan.
"升Masu" have been used as a tool for paying "tribute" (taxes) since the Middle Ages. Taxes used to be paid in rice.
It is beautifully painted with lacquer. Kanji characters meaning 福禄寿"congratulations" are written in gold. On the other side is a picture of three different plants, also symbolizing congratulations, pine, bamboo, and plum.
The small size makes it recommended as a decoration.

□ Size:
L: H 1.3in × W 2.5in × D 2.5in （about H3.2cm×W6.3cm×D6.3cm ）
M: H 1in × W 2in × D 2in （about H2.6cm×W5cm×D5cm ）
S: H 0.9in × W 1.5in × D 1.5in （about H2.2cm×W3.8cm×D3.8cm ）
□ Weight :
L: 0.9oz (26g)
M: 0.6oz (16g)
S: 0.4oz (10g)
□ Material : Wood, Lacquer, gold

condition...
It is in good condition, and is ready to use.

I list antiques that sometimes have chips, rubbings and cracks
as they are very old antiques so please check the images and understand the current
condition before buying.