Hello everyone, how are you doing?
In the Bizen region, water has begun to flow through the irrigation channels,
and an early-bird stag beetle has arrived at my home, marking the onset of early summer.
Well, in the midst of this season, new works by Takashi Baba have arrived at Kawaguchi Tourakuen.
While we are gradually introducing them on our website,
we would also like to introduce them on this blog, one piece at a time.
For this first installment, we are featuring Mr. Baba's signature piece, "TORSO."
This design is inspired by a woman in a kimono.
The body is tilted as if bowing in greeting; the beautiful curvature combined with the Bizen "goma" (sesame-like ash glaze) is truly captivating.
It appears as if the hem of the garment is spreading on the ground, or perhaps emerging from the earth to take form.
"Torso" is originally a sculpture term for a headless human statue,
but true to Mr. Baba’s background—having studied sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts before his debut—
it is designed to function as a flower vase, with the flowers representing the head.
It is created with a borderless concept, serving as both a sculpture and a piece of Bizen pottery.
The fluid, sculptural form is complemented by the Bizen "nagare-goma" (flowing ash glaze) dripping like rain, making it truly beautiful.
It is currently on display at Kawaguchi Tourakuen, so please do come and see it.
(Takashi Baba / TORSO size: 15.8cm diam. × 13.5cm diam. × 27.5cm height price: ¥70,000)
Please contact us below for detailed images or other inquiries about the work.
Tel 0869-67-2210 Fax 0869-67-2220
Email to Kawaguchi Tourakuen (Click to open email window)