Sake Cups

There are numerous types and makes of sake cup, but basically there are two categories: choko, or more politely ochoko, and guinomi. The ochoko are smaller cups, the size of half a golf ball, and the rim is open like a flower; some are so open that the cup itself is almost flat. The guinomi are slightly larger cups with a straight rim and are for more casual drinking. There are also larger, flat cups, the size of a small tea saucer. These are more formally called sakazuki and are used for occasions such as toasting someone or drinking to their future. Traditional Shinto wedding vows are also made by the couple toasting each other in sake, and the wedding sakazuki are made of ceremonial red lacquer.