Masu
枡
Определение
A square wooden box, traditionally made of Japanese cypress (hinoki), originally used as a unit of measure for rice and sake (one masu equals 180 ml, or one go). Today masu are used as a festive drinking vessel, imparting a subtle cedar aroma.
Подробнее
Drinking sake from a masu is associated with celebration, particularly during kagami-biraki (cask-opening ceremonies) and New Year festivities. The woody aroma of fresh hinoki can complement or overpower the sake depending on the wood's age and the sake's delicacy. A common serving style called mokkiri involves placing a glass inside the masu and pouring until sake overflows into the wooden box, symbolizing generosity and abundance. Some izakaya serve sake in masu with a pinch of salt on the corner, harking back to when salt was used to cut sweetness.