Bizen Hikidashiguro guinomi

This is a new Bizen "Hikidashiguro" (pulled-black) sake cup 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. This black Bizen sake cup, featuring the slip-applied finish that is Mr. Baba's specialty, has been evolved into a deeper, clearer hue by being removed from the kiln during the firing process and rapidly cooled. The areas that would normally be a black slip-applied surface have become remarkably clear, almost like black glass, due to the rapid cooling, allowing one to enjoy the rare and unique scenery characteristic of the Hikidashiguro technique. Although the piece features highly creative cutting, it is thin-walled and feels light in the hand, with very little sense of weight. One cannot help but be amazed by Mr. Baba’s technical skill in challenging himself to create such a refined form despite the perilous nature of the Hikidashiguro technique. Signed wooden box (shiho-san) included
Diameter 6.1cm × Diameter 6.1cm × Height 6.8cm Takashi Baba was born in 1983 as the eldest son of Bizen ware artist Shosuke Baba. Thinking from a young age that he would become a potter, he chose to study sculpture in university to broaden his perspective on ceramics. In 2006, he graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a degree in sculpture and went on to hone his craft 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.