Tsuge "The Tasting" (Series 23) Billiard | Mint Pre-Smoked Condition | Tapered Acrylic Stem | No Filter.SKU-180

Now Available: A Pristine Tsuge "The Tasting" Series 23 Billiard – A Refined Chapter in Japanese Pipe History Tsuge "The Tasting" (Series 23) Billiard | Mint Pre-Smoked Condition | Tapered Acrylic Stem | No Filter Description: Welcome to a dedicated entry in what will become the Pipe Collector’s Encyclopedia. This listing is presented not merely as a sale, but as a curated artifact entry, offering historical context, precise documentation, and a specimen of exceptional preservation for the serious collector. We present a superlative example of Japanese pipe-making from its modern renaissance: the Tsuge "The Tasting" Series 23 Billiard in untouched, pre-smoked condition. Historical Provenance & The "The Tasting" Series: The Tsuge pipe company, founded by Kyoichi Tsuge, represents the bridge between traditional Japanese craftsmanship and the golden age of Danish-inspired pipe design. The "The Tasting" (Ikkyu) series, introduced in the early 1970s, was Tsuge’s seminal export line that catapulted the brand to international acclaim. It showcased a revolutionary fusion of impeccable Japanese finish work with the elegant, functional shapes pioneered by Sixten and Lars Ivarsson. The "23" designation places this pipe within the refined, later tier of this historic series (circa late 1970s to early 1980s). These pipes were produced during a period where Tsuge’s identity was fully crystallized—offering exceptional quality at a accessible point of entry into high-grade briar. The crisp "Tsuge" script printed on the stem side is the authentic period mark of this transformative era. The Shape & Craftsmanship: The Essential Billiard The Billiard is the ultimate benchmark of a pipemaker’s skill in balance and proportion. This straight rendition is a masterful execution. The bowl is finished with Tsuge’s signature dark, craggy sandblast, a technique that serves both form and function: it reveals the hardy, close grain of the aged briar for optimal smoking characteristics while providing a profoundly tactile and visually striking aesthetic. The blast is deep and uniform, a testament to the skill of the finishing artisan. The shiny black acrylic tapered stem is a hallmark of the series. Its fishtail mouthpiece is engineered for comfort and control, and the precise, gap-free junction with the briar shank demonstrates the factory’s renowned attention to detail. Configured with no filter, it is presented as the carvers intended—for a pure, unadulterated smoking experience. Condition & Specifications: · Condition: Excellent Mint, Pre-Smoked. This is a time-capsule piece. There is no cake, no rim charring, no stem oxidation or tooth chatter. It remains in the exact state it left the Tsuge workshop, awaiting its inaugural bowl. The sandblast is sharp and unchoked; the acrylic stem retains its full luster. · Dimensions: (Based on provided spec from sibling model; assumes identical form factor) · Length: ~5.96 in. / 151.5 mm · Weight: ~1.36 oz. / 38.6 g · Bowl Height: ~1.89 in. / 48 mm · Chamber Depth: ~1.62 in. / 41 mm · Chamber Diameter: ~0.81 in. / 20.5 mm Why This Pipe Belongs in a Reference Collection: 1. Archetypal Representation: It perfectly embodies a specific, critical model series from one of Japan's most important pipe houses. 2. Impeccable Provenance: Clear series designation and classic markings allow for precise historical placement. 3. Museum-Grade Preservation: Its "pre-smoked" state offers a rare opportunity to experience a vintage Tsuge exactly as its first owner would have, making it both a collectible and a functional masterpiece. 4. Encyclopedia-Quality Data: This listing is structured to provide the collector with all necessary archival information, supporting the mission of informed acquisition and study. Acquisition Details: This pipe is offered as a cornerstone piece for the advanced collector or the scholar of pipe history. It will be prepared for shipment with the utmost care, ensuring its pristine state is preserved. Explore the Encyclopedia: This listing is part of an ongoing project to build a living Pipe Collector’s Encyclopedia—a destination where artifacts are accompanied by their full story. We invite you to browse our other entries for further study and discovery. Invest in a documented piece of piping heritage. This Tsuge Series 23 is offered with complete transparency and is ready for its permanent home in a discerning collection. SKU: SKU-180