Sake set
4695938
223257663
2008-07-03T08:06:28Z
Stewie814
755568
{{Drinkware}}
{{unreferenced|date=November 2007}}
[[Image:sake.jpg|left|thumb|Sake can be served in a wide variety of cups; here is ''sakazuki'' (flat saucer-like cup), ''ochoko'' (small cylindrical cup), and ''masu'' (wooden box cup).]]
'''Sake set''' is a generic term for the flask and cups used to serve [[sake]], the traditional [[Japan]]ese [[alcoholic beverage]] made from [[rice]]. Sake sets are commonly [[ceramic]], but may be [[glass]] or [[lacquer]]ed plastic. The flask and cups may be sold individually instead of as a set.
==Server==
The server of a sake set is a flask called '''tokkuri'''. ''Tokkuri'' are generally bulbous with a narrow neck, but may have a variety of other shapes, including spouted serving bowls (''katakuchi''). Traditionally, heated sake is often warmed by placing the sake filled ''tokkuri'' in a pan of hot water, and thus the narrowed neck would prevent the heat from escaping.
==Drinking cups==
[[Image:VFTS0004.JPG|left|thumb|A decorated lacquer ''masu''.]]
Traditionally, sake is served in wooden box cup, known as '''[[Masu (Japanese)|masu]]'''; unlike other containers, it is a standard measurement, which, in metric, would have a maximum volume of 180 ml (6 oz). In the past, the wooden box was said to complement the traditionally brewed sake, as it is brewed in a wooden [[cask]], but in modern times, the masu is shunned by sake purists because the wood affects the flavor of the sake. Furthermore, tradition requires the masu be filled to the rim as a sign of prosperity. It is now common to make masu as [[lacquerware]] or even out of [[Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene|ABS plastic]]. As the traditional sake-serving cup and a symbol of prosperity, the masu still has a place in modern times and is still used for the purpose of ceremony or to show generosity. In some of the more traditional [[Japan]]ese restaurants, the server may put a glass inside the ''masu'' (or put the ''masu'' inside a saucer) and pour until the sake overflows and spills into the secondary container.
Nowadays, the sake is typically served in ceramic cups. The cups used for drinking sake are generally small cylindrical vessels called '''ochoko''', but may also include flatter shapes such as wide-mouthed bowls. '''Sakazuki''' are more ceremonial cups used most commonly at weddings and other special occasions, but larger versions of ''sakazuki'' also exist for binge drinking.
While not a traditional serving utensil, a [[shot glass]] is also used. In the [[United States]], it is used as a substitute for ochoko, while in Japan it is used in conjunction with masu. Sake [[stemware]] is also used, which is essentially a glass sake cup elevated above a wide base. Sake stemware, as well as glass tokkuri, is now commonly used to serve chilled sake.
==External links==
*[http://www.e-yakimono.net/html/flask-shapes.htm Sake Flask Shapes Guide]
*[http://www.esake.com/Knowledge/TOKKURI/tokkuri.html Tokkuri- Sake Flask Shapes]
*[http://members.cox.net/travelreflections2/j/SakeTraditions.htm Sake traditions]
[[Category:Drinkware]]
[[Category:Containers]]
[[Category:Japanese cuisine]]