Choshi (sake pouring vessel)

Choshi (銚子) is a type of vessel used for pouring sake. It originally referred to a high-quality sake vessel used in Shinto rituals and other special ceremonies. It was often used to pour sake into cups at traditional occasions such as otoso (the spiced sake drunk at New Year) and san-san-kudo (the ritual exchange of three cups of sake at a wedding). Today, it is often used as a synonym for tokkuri (the common sake serving flask) and is widely used as a vessel for pouring sake in general. Because choshi come in a variety of designs and materials, they allow drinkers to enjoy a different atmosphere depending on the region and the occasion.