This very large platter was created by the talented young master potter of Bizen, Baba Takashi. One is immediately drawn to the undulating effect on one section of the platter, a perfect contrast between the rigidity of the material and its fluidity. It resembles a crashing wave, but also an expression of the artist's freedom or creative impulse emerging from the currents amidst a classical exercise. In the hollow of the platter, one can perceive traces of the ash and twigs deposited during its time in the kiln. The exterior surface is naturally glazed, pleasant to the touch. The simultaneously calm and untamed appearance gives this piece a powerful evocation of nature. The dark color with reddish highlights recalls the works of the Momoyama period (1573-1600), when the Bizen kilns reached their zenith.
Baba Takashi was born in 1983 and is the son of artist Shosuke Baba. He studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts and quickly expressed his talent with exhibitions in Japan, as well as in China and London.
Bizen pottery in Japan, produced from the Kamakura period (1185-1338) onward, is characterized by its reddish-brown color and a coating of ash reminiscent of goma, or sesame seeds. Later, it became highly prized for its superb clay quality, unassuming appearance, durability, and ability to preserve water quality. During the Momoyama period (1573-1600), a gigantic kiln measuring 50 meters long by 5 meters wide was built in Bizen, and it was during this time that the masterpieces of tea ceremony pottery were created. Bizen pottery pieces are fired unglazed in a pine-wood kiln for 8 to 20 days. When the temperature reaches 1250°C, pine ash settles on the pieces, coating them with a natural glaze in varying shades on each piece. Those fired under optimal conditions have a robust, heavy appearance with a natural texture and a restrained elegance. Bizen pottery is said to be modest and understated, yet full of refinement, reflecting the spirit of Japan. The town of Bizen is located in Okayama Prefecture, and the clay gathered from the town's rice paddies is of excellent quality, allowing potters to create exceptional works.
Circa: 2022
Condition report: Excellent condition
Delivery
Europe: €500
US/Canada/HK: €400
Rest of the world: Price upon request
- Reference :
- 3390
- Width :
- 55 (cm)
- Height :
- 14 (cm)
- Depth :
- 50 (cm)
- Era:
- 21st century
- Style:
- Asian Art
- Materials:
- Terracotta
