Takashi Baba held a kiln opening.

Hello everyone, how are you doing? Here in the Bizen region, we are experiencing a stretch of hot days that feel as if spring has been bypassed entirely and summer has arrived all at once. However, it still gets a bit cold at night, so please do take care of your health.   Now, Kawaguchi Tourakuen is currently in the midst of a kiln-opening rush from winter through spring, and we have received many attractive new works by artists who represent today’s Bizen pottery. We hope to introduce these captivating new works by artists such as Jun Isezaki and Koichiro Isezaki, Toru Ichikawa, and Shin Nakamura and Kazuki Nakamura on our website and blog as they become available.   In today's blog update, I would like to highlight and introduce the new works by Takashi Baba, which have arrived after a long interval. I feel that in this latest kiln firing, Mr. Baba has acquired a new way of expressing "form." Having held a collaborative exhibition with fellow Tokyo University of the Arts graduate and ceramic artist Risa Ogi, I believe he was inspired by that experience and has taken a major step forward.   Sake ware from the "Ao" (Blue) series created through black kiln-transformation firing. The deep cobalt blue is stunning. Mr. Baba produces everything from vessels of various sizes to large objects and monuments; while the sizes and purposes differ, the charm lies in his consistent, sharp, and uniquely stylish expression. Combined with his signature black-blue glaze and gold leaf, these works possess a unique and captivating style. We have received some wonderful pieces, so if you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us. We also plan to feature them on the Kawaguchi Tourakuen website.   Please contact us below for detailed images of the works. Tel 0869-67-2210　Fax 0869-67-2220 Email Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Clicking here will open your email client) Visit the Kawaguchi Tourakuen website   A sake cup from the gold-leaf series, another of Mr. Baba's signature works.   A black tea bowl with beautiful flowing sesame glaze. It features a highly original form.