Japanese Blue and White Sake Cask

This large porcelain jar is a vintage Japanese sake keg dated to the early 20th century. Known as taru or daru, large sake casks such as this are often saved for special occasions such as New Year's celebrations. The jar has a molded shape designed to resemble traditional wooden kegs tied with straw and coiled ropes. The keg is coated with a creamy white glaze, contrasted by deep cobalt blue calligraphy describing the brewing company name and location. The large character on the front of the keg is the sake brand name, enclosed by an eight-petal floral medallion and decorated with a tan and pink phoenix.