Masuya Masu Sake Cup Kotobuki

Masu cups have played an important part in Japanese traditions for over 1300 years. The small square cups made of Hinoki wood were originally used to measure rice and other food items, especially when they were still a trading currency. The term ‘masu’ means ‘growth’ in Japanese, and thus these cups became an important symbol for growth, success and prosperity. The cups became popular sake cups during weddings and traditional celebrations, and farmers use the masu cups to serve beans on the day before spring, to pray for a successful harvest.

Hinoki trees are not only beautiful, but also believed to have a cleansing and purifying effect; The wood has a long-lasting, calming fragrance, antibacterial and stress-relieving properties and even suppresses the formation of mould, bacteria and mite. It is therefore a popular material for construction and in sushi kitchens. Masu cups are crafted from the left-overs of these constructions - no wood is cut for their production alone.