{"product_id":"p5869","title":"Bizen Yohen Blue Sake Cup","description":"This Bizen *yohen ao* (kiln-changed blue) sake cup is the work of Takashi Baba, who was born in Imbe and has loved Bizen ware since childhood, finding his life’s joy in crafting pieces and firing kilns. This piece belongs to his \"Yohen Ao\" series—an evolution of the black Bizen style he masters using slip, in which parts of the black surface transform into a vivid cobalt blue. The most eye-catching feature is the intense cobalt blue coloration that gives the series its name, while the rest of the black surface exhibits a unique, gunmetal-like sheen resulting from an intense firing. The *goma* (ash glaze) flowing from the back to the front is also truly fascinating; the slightly greyish, subdued tone of the *goma*—a hallmark of Baba’s kiln—beautifully accentuates the black and blue hues. The bold spatula carvings typical of Baba are also striking, with the evenly spaced cuts creating a remarkably modern body line. With its vivid blue, cool black, and modern form, the piece comes together in a trinity that makes it unforgettable once seen.\n\nSigned wooden box to follow (please allow some time for shipping).\u003cbr\u003e\nDiameter 7.2cm x Diameter 6.9cm x Height 6.2cm\n\nTakashi Baba was born in 1983 as the eldest son of Bizen ceramic artist Shosuke Baba. Intending to become a ceramic artist from a young 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, then went on to refine 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 exhibiting in solo shows at department stores.","brand":"馬場隆志","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46618691600481,"sku":"5869","price":19800.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/9916\/8865\/files\/5869.jpg?v=1790240637","url":"https:\/\/www.tourakuen.jp\/en\/products\/p5869","provider":"川口陶楽苑","version":"1.0","type":"link"}