Sage-ju with design of Shojo sprite and shells

Sage-ju was a portable picnic set for pleasure trips like cherry blossom viewing. This sage-ju consists of a four-tiered food container, plates and a liquor bottle. The liquor bottle is created in the shape of Shojo sprite holding a bottle in his right hand and a cup (now lost) in his left hand. Shojo originated in China as a legendary creature and was introduced to Japan as a sea spirit character with a fondness for alcohol in a Noh play. The food container also has designs suggestive of the sea such as the shape of suhama-gata (sandy beach) and the gold pattern of various shells.