Recently, I received a gift from a local shrine in the city I live in, Hirakata City.
Extremely well crafted, and made from aromatic Japanese cedar, boxes such as these have been an integral part of Japanese society for centuries.
Called “masu”, the volume of this box is equal to one “sho” which is a measurement still used today for cooking rice.
The size, as well as the construction of this “masu” has remained unchanged for the past 1,300 years. As the “masu” became a standard of measurement for tax authorities as well; the rice crop was taxed using these boxes as measuring devices.
The shrine near my home was commemorating its 570 year anniversary with this finely crafted “masu”.
The boxes are so finely crafted that they hold liquid. Many Japanese enjoy drinking sake, or rice wine from these ornate boxes.
I am donating this one to Philip Friedman Outdoors.
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