Bizen black incense container

This is a Bizen black incense container (kogo) by Takashi Baba, an artist born in Imbe who has loved Bizen ware since childhood and finds his life's joy in creating works and firing kilns. Unusually for an incense container, it possesses a vivid expression, reflecting the artist’s own sense of joy infused into the piece. Taking advantage of the dome-shaped structure, the carving gives the piece a layered appearance that is remarkably stylish. The entire surface is adorned with an original Indian-inspired floral motif, an ethnic aesthetic that suits the sophisticated form perfectly. Signed wooden box included (with two-way struts)
Diameter 7.3cm x Diameter 7.3cm x Height 6.5cm Takashi Baba was born in 1983 as the eldest son of Bizen ware artist Shosuke Baba. Intending to become a ceramic artist from a young age, he chose to study sculpture in university to broaden his artistic scope. After graduating from the Tokyo University of the Arts sculpture department in 2006, he 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.