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Top text reads 一六歩 "16th infantry"
Bottom text is read vertically as 精兵 on the right and 紀念 on the left. 紀念 "Celebration Of The" 精兵 "Elite Soldiers"
精兵 was an imperial army designation that required a soldier to demonstrate proficiency in shooting and other soldier-like tasks. It also required the soldier to ideologically agree with the imperial motive and was usually only given to men who had seen combat.
The text on the bottom reads 桐本. This is the makers mark for a kiln that has been lost to time.
As you can see in the final photo I have 11 of these and all are exactly the same. The photos of the individual cup were taken of the worst condition cup out of the 11, the one you receive will be in equal or better condition. You will receive one per order. If you want to buy them all please inquire. The final photo is only to demonstrate that all are exactly the same.
