Why We Love It

This authentic Bizen ware beer mug set features two handcrafted beer mugs in a custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist making it the perfect gift for beer lovers.

Bizen ware is one of the most remarkable Japanese pottery. Usually not glazed, Bizen-yaki has a natural appearance. The rusticity of Bizen-yaki has been appreciated for centuries for its wabi sabi nature: unique, austere, imperfect, gaining charm and beauty with time and use.

The red-brown decor of this beer mug set is crafted using the hidasuki (緋襷) technique, a distinctive feature of Bizen-yaki: the ceramics are wrapped with rice straw before firing; in the kiln, a chemical reaction occurs between the iron content in the clay and the straw, achieving a distinctive red-colored “flames” pattern. It is said that the iron contained in Bizen clay enhances the aroma and taste of beer so enjoy the satisfying flavor along with the intricate craftsmanship of the beer mug set.

Why Choose Beer Mugs from Bizen

Bizen-yaki (備前焼) is a type of pottery created in the city of Bizen, in Okayama prefecture. Bizen is one of Japan's Six Ancient Kilns and the development of these kilns and techniques have been carefully preserved, representing a vital contribution to Japan’s traditional arts.

In the 16^th century, Bizen-yaki gained the favor of Sen no Rikyu, the famous master of the tea ceremony, for its wabi-sabi aesthetics. This notion of wabi-sabi is a key concept in Japanese sensibility: the appreciation of the ephemeral beauty of an imperfect object, which becomes more beautiful as time passes, and consequently acquires its own charm and an untranslatable idea of serenity.

Working with Bizen clay requires master craftsmanship to shape the wares and position them expertly inside the anagama climbing kiln. During the long wood-firing process, the artisans don’t touch the wares, so it takes years of experience to know how to place the ceramics in the kiln to achieve the greatest outcome. The final appearance of each piece is not entirely predictable, making every dish or teacup wholly original and unique. Making Bizen pottery is so arduous that most kilns only do a firing once or twice a year, or even less.

This beer mug set is handcrafted by ceramic artist Toshiaki Mori at the Hozan Kiln in the town of Bizen. A direct descendant from the six Bizen-yaki potter families, Mori-san is the 19^th generation master artisan, who not only was selected and received awards at various national ceramics exhibitions, but also exhibited his works internationally, in the USA, UK, and Taiwan.

Caring For Your Bizen Ware Beer Mugs

After use, the beer mugs set should be rinsed thoroughly with hot water, which will help them to dry faster. To preserve the delicate surface of the beer mugs, do not wash them in the dishwasher.

Details

Beer mug set, comprising two ceramic beer cups
Handmade in Japan
Free gift-wrapping in Japanese furoshiki cloth
Includes custom-made wooden box, signed by the artist
Hidasuki technique
As each handmade product is unique, there will be differences in size, color, and pattern from the photographs above.
Cup size: Ø 3” (8cm), height 4¼” (11cm), capacity 7½ fl.oz (320ml)
Product code: 93905HS