Plate Creation by Baba Takashi

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This very large dish was created by the talented young master potter from Bizen: Baba Takashi. One is quickly attracted … Read more This very large dish was created by the talented young master potter from Bizen: Baba Takashi. One is quickly attracted by the undulating effect of part of the dish, a perfect contrast between the rigor of the material and its suppleness. It's like a wave breaking, but also an expression of the artist's freedom or creative impulse, emerging from the waves in the midst of a classical exercise. In the hollow of the dish, you can see the traces of ash and twigs deposited during its time in the kiln. The outer surface is naturally glazed, with a pleasant feel. The work's partly calm, partly raging appearance lends it a powerful evocation of nature. The dark color with reddish highlights recalls works from the Momoyama period (1573-1600), when Bizen kilns were at their height. Baba Takashi was born in 1983, the son of artist Shosuke Baba. He studied at Tokyo University of the Arts, then quickly expressed his talent with exhibitions in Japan, China and London. Bizen pottery in Japan, produced from the Kamakura period (1185-1338) onwards, is characterized by its reddish-brown color and the ash deposit covering it, reminiscent of goma or sesame seeds. Later, they became very popular for their superb clay quality, modest appearance, strength and ability to preserve water quality. During the Momoyama period (1573-1600), a gigantic kiln 50m long by 5m wide was erected in Bizen, and it was during this period that the masterpieces of tea ceremony pottery were created. Bizen pottery pieces are fired unglazed in a pinewood kiln for periods of 8 to 20 days. When the temperature reaches 1250°C, pinewood ash falls on the pieces, covering them with a natural glaze in different shades for each piece. Those fired under optimum conditions have a robust, heavy appearance, with a natural texture and an understated elegance. Bizen pottery is said to be modest and unassuming yet full of refinement, in the image of Japan. Bizen is located in Okayama prefecture, and the clay harvested from the commune's rice fields is of excellent quality, enabling potters to create exceptional works. See less