A Tokkuri paired with a set of two Guinomi by Baba Takashi enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Yohen-Ao Shuki Zen. The origin of the Ao-yohen (blue kiln transformation) began by chance when a small sake cup (guinomi) accidentally tumbled into the embers, revealing a serendipitous blue kiln change. “Focusing on this blue, I conducted research, refining the clay, kiln loading, and firing process to bring out the blue color. After 12 years, I finally achieved a vibrant hue”. Although he fires twice a year, producing about 1,000 pieces each time, only a fraction exhibit the blue kiln transformation. The Tokkuri is 8 cm (3-1/4 inches) diameter, 14 cm (5-1/2 inches) tall. The Guinomi are 7 cm (just less than 3 inches) diameter, 6 cm (2-1/2 inches) tall, and all are in excellent condition, directly from the artist.
Takashi Baba, a ceramic artist specializing in Bizen ware, was born in 1983 as the eldest son of Bizen ware artist Shosuke Baba. He graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2006. He has exhibited internationally, including solo and group exhibitions in the UK, China, the UAE, Taiwan, the Philippines, Germany, and Italy as well as featured at major events abroad. Starting with being selected for the Okayama Prefectural Art Exhibition in 2008, he was a finalist for the Itazaki Shigeo Ceramics Award at the International Ceramic Exhibition, Mino, in 2011. He continued to receive recognition, being selected for the Japan Traditional Craft Exhibition, Chugoku Branch, in 2015 and the Tea Utensils Exhibition in 2016. Last year, he won an award once again at the International Ceramic Exhibition, Mino. With his expertise in traditional Bizen pottery and international recognition, Baba continues to expand the global appreciation of Japanese ceramics.
