In Three Cups, Nakahashi explored variations of color, light, and reflection, contrasting three drinking glasses, each holding a different unnamed liquid. While acknowledging the aesthetic appeal of his studio still life, Nakahashi also pointed out the characteristics of the three mystery liquids, which he identified (left to right) as soda (“for enjoying taste”), milk (“for keeping good health”), and oil (“for keeping life”).
![Untitled [Abstract figure], Kenji Nakahashi, c. 1970s](https://img.artsmia.org/web_objects_cache/137000/600/50/137655/mia_7022458_800.jpg)
![Untitled [Woman eating], Kenji Nakahashi, 20th century](https://img.artsmia.org/web_objects_cache/137000/700/40/137742/mia_7022398_800.jpg)
![Untitled [Abstract figure], Kenji Nakahashi, 20th century](https://img.artsmia.org/web_objects_cache/137000/700/20/137728/mia_7022397_800.jpg)
