Bizen-ryumon Guinomi (Sake Cup)

This is a Bizen ware *guinomi* (sake cup) with a flowing pattern (*ryumon*) 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. The regularly etched flowing patterns are carved by hand one by one, radiating a unique atmosphere reminiscent of ritual vessels. The finished piece features the coarse ash-covered kiln transformation (*haikaburi yohen*) characteristic of Baba's work, which pairs perfectly with the unique aura of the flowing patterns. Although it is a type of *guinomi* created by shaping a thick piece and then carving and decorating it, it is remarkably lightweight and designed with ease of use in mind. Signed wooden box (double-slat) included
Diameter 6.5cm × Diameter 6.5cm × Height 5.5cm Takashi Baba was born in 1983 as the eldest son of Bizen ware artist Shosuke Baba. Considering becoming a ceramic artist from an early age, he chose to study sculpture in university to broaden his perspective on pottery. He graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts with a degree in sculpture in 2006 and 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.