Bizen Sake Cup

This is an exquisite Bizen sake cup by Takashi Baba, who was born in Imbe, has loved Bizen ware since childhood, and finds his life's joy in creating works and firing kilns. The superb *haikaburi* (ash-covered) kiln transformation, achieved by thoroughly burying the piece in ash, possesses a beauty that truly requires no explanation. The interior features a stunning scarlet hue, with a magnificent *botamochi* (peony-mochi) marking that perfectly complements the clean, circular form. The *warikodaka* (split-tall) style foot, carved directly from the clay, makes a powerful impact, forming a contrast with the refined and delicately fashioned upper section. Signed wooden box (two-sided crosspiece)
Diameter 9.8cm × 9.7cm × Height 4.4cm Takashi Baba was born in 1983 as the eldest son of Bizen ware artist Shosuke Baba. Thinking from an early age that he would become a potter, he chose to study sculpture in university to broaden his perspective on ceramics. He graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a degree in sculpture in 2006 and further honed his skills at the Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology and Culture. He became independent in 2007 and held his first solo exhibition. He is currently active primarily through solo exhibitions at department stores.