PAIR OF BEER TUMBLERS (BIAMAGU)

height of each tumbler — 12.5 cm.

A collector's studio pair of beer tumblers (biamaguBiamagu ビアマグ — a traditional Japanese tall beer tumbler (beer mug). Pieces in unglazed ceramics (for example, Bizen) are highly valued for their ability to hold a dense, lasting head.) by the noted master Shima Yukihiro (b. 1937), thrown on the potter's wheel at the “Shima Kobo” workshop. The pieces underwent a long wood firing in a noborigamaNoborigama / Anagama 登り窯 / 穴窯 — traditional Japanese multi-chamber climbing kilns and single-chamber kilns for multi-day high-temperature wood firing of stoneware. kiln. Owing to the natural micro-porosity of the unglazed Bizen stoneware body, such tumblers are highly valued by connoisseurs for their ability to form and long retain an exceptionally dense, lasting beer foam.

The artist's personal mark is hand-incised on the base of each piece.

Original wooden box (tomobakoTomobako 共箱 — an authentic box of valuable, seasoned wood (often paulownia), made specially for a particular piece. On the lid the master or owner personally inscribes in ink the calligraphic title of the object, his signature and the impression of a personal seal. It is the principal certificate of authenticity.) with the artist's calligraphy, signature and seal impression.