Kuro Bizen Yunomi

This is a Kuro Bizen Yunomi (Hidari-uma) by Takashi Baba,
an artist born in Imbe who has loved Bizen ware since childhood
and finds joy in both creating works and firing kilns.

Fired in June 2025 in his newly designed noborigama,
the piece bears the auspicious Hidari-uma mark incised on the front.

This Yunomi is a fine example of Baba’s signature tsuchi-nuri (slip-coated)
Kuro Bizen technique.
The black slip, thoroughly fired in the new kiln, displays a subdued, gunmetal-like sheen
across the entire surface.

Along the rim, natural ash carried by the flame has formed Nagare-Goma,
creating a vivid contrast—luminous, flowing ash patterns standing out beautifully
against the deep black background.

The rim is finished slightly thinner, giving the piece excellent versatility:
it can be enjoyed not only as a Yunomi but also as a beer mug or a rocks glass.

He was born in Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture in 1983.
He graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts in 2006.
Since 2007 he has been working as a ceramic artist in Bizen City.