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.
Inside the ancient cave kiln, pine tree ash flies and sticks to the clay, adding a natural glaze to the surface. The glossy and granulated ochre accent of this beer mug set is named goma (胡麻, lit. “sesame seeds”) and is a distinctive feature of Bizen-yaki. 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 16th 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 19th 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
- Goma 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 11 fl.oz (320ml)
- Product code: 93903GM
We ship to every country in the world direct from Tokyo.
We offer three levels of service: Standard, Express and FedEx Priority.
1) Standard shipping is by registered airmail, which usually takes about 10-14 days.
2) Express shipping uses Japan Post’s EMS service, and usually takes between 6-10 days.
3) FedEx Priority usually takes 2-5 days.
All options include tracking information.
FREE shipping uses Standard shipping is available on orders over $99, unless registered airmail services to your country have been suspended by Japan Post. In the USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Australia registered airmail is temporarily suspended but you can still take advantage of Free Shipping on all orders over $149 with Express Shipping, which can be as quick as 6 days!
Taxes & Customs
All our products are sent to you direct from Tokyo, Japan. Shipments from Japan to your country may be subject to additional taxes and handling fees imposed by the customs authorities and mail carrier of your country and region. Such costs are the responsibility of the customer.
Customs and import rules vary by country and region, so unfortunately we’re not able to estimate these in advance. The best way to be sure if any such charges will be applied is to check with your local customs authority.
For customers in Japan, the price includes 10% consumption tax. This tax is removed for customers outside of Japan.
Shipping Updates - March 2023
Due to the pandemic and the current situation in Eastern Europe, postal services to some countries have been temporarily suspended by Japan Post, however FedEx services are still available. If you are in one of the countries named below you can either choose FedEx Priority, or you can choose to have us hold on to your order until postal restrictions are lifted.
Countries with postal restrictions (Currently only FedEx available)
South America: All countries
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Cyprus, Georgia, Kosovo, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovakia
Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Timor-Leste, UAE
Africa: All countries
Oceania: All countries except Australia & New Zealand
Within Japan
If you're in Japan you will receive your shipment within 1-2 days on the island of Honshu (the main island, including Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto), or 2-3 days for the rest of Japan. It may take an additional day if you order on a weekend or if you are located in Okinawa or the outlying islands.
If you're staying in a hotel in Japan, please include the reservation name and room number, otherwise your hotel may refuse to accept your package.
Free Shipping
All orders over US$99 or equivalent (not including shipping fees) are eligible for free shipping, except in countries where registered airmail services have been temporarily suspended by Japan Post. In the USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany and Australia, where these services are currently suspended, you can still take advantage of Free Shipping on all orders over $149 with Express Shipping!
Tracking your Shipment
As soon as your order has shipped we will send you a confirmation email with a link to your order status. You will be able to track your shipment from there. It is the customer's responsibility to track shipments, and we will not be able to refund the shipping fees charged by the courier in case a shipment is returned due to non-collection.
If you would like to return or exchange your order for whatever reason, we're here to help! We offer no hassle returns or exchanges within 30 days of receiving your order. You can return your product for a different product, or a refund to the original payment method.
*Please note the following conditions to our return and exchange policy:
- Items must be returned unused and folded in the original packaging
- Discounted items or items purchased with store credit are not eligible for refund
- Shipping costs are not refundable. Shipping costs refers to the full amount paid to Japan Post or FedEx.
- You must provide proof of postage showing the postage date within the 30 days
- For hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on earrings, futon mattresses, or mattress covers
- Items marked Direct from Designer, have a refund period of 7 days instead of 30.
How do I claim my free refund?
Please contact us and we will confirm the shipping address for you to send the item.
Please return the item folded in its original plastic bag (don’t worry about the paper wrapping) and send to the address that we provide, noting on the customs form ‘Returned Item’. Please note that you must bear the shipping costs.
Once we receive the returned item and have confirmed its condition as unused and undamaged, we will issue a refund not including shipping costs or duties.
Do I have to pay shipping costs?
We offer a full refund of the product, not including the original shipping costs. You must bear the cost of return shipping.
If you received the original order damaged, then we will also cover both the initial and the return shipping costs.
Can I exchange for a different product?
Yes! To exchange an unused and undamaged item, you can process the return as described above and reorder the new item through the website.
Alternatively, when you notify us about a return, let us know which product you would like as a replacement, and we will hold it in stock for you until we receive the original return. Please note, there may be additional shipping costs.
What if my item is damaged?
Very occasionally items may be damaged in transport. In the unlikely event that you item arrives in a damaged condition:
We ask that you contact us within 48 hours of receipt. This enables us to make a claim with the shipping company.
Please keep hold of the damaged item and provide some photos of the damage.
We will issue you with a full refund or replacement, including shipping costs.
Who decides if I receive a refund or a replacement?
You do!
If you are entitled to a refund or replacement as described above, it is your choice which you receive.
If we no longer have the same item in stock, we will suggest one or more similar items. If you do not want the similar item, we will provide a refund instead.
How long will my refund take?
We will process the refund within 2 days of receiving the returned item.
