Bizen Censer

This Bizen incense burner is the work of Takashi Baba, who was born in Imbe, has loved Bizen ware since childhood, and finds his life's joy in creating pieces and firing the kiln. This conical incense burner is one of Mr. Baba's signature works, and its form, skillfully carved with a spatula, is highly innovative and unique. The incense burner itself is shaped like a flame at the tip of a candle, with calculated yet seemingly random spatula carving and *hidasuki* (fire-cord) markings coming together to create an even more flame-like appearance. With its impeccably sharp tip and a base reminiscent of rotating mechanical parts, every fine detail has been crafted with meticulous care. As it is a very stylish piece full of contemporary sensibility, it would also be interesting to display it as an interior decoration just as it is. Signed wooden box (double-crosspiece lid) Diameter 7.3cm x Diameter 7.1cm x Height 16.0cm 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 ceramic artist, he chose sculpture during his university years to broaden his range in ceramics. He graduated from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts in 2006 and 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 mainly with solo exhibitions at department stores.