Iki Coffee Cup and Saucer by Kusuo Baba, Second-Generation Shinemon, Shinemon Kiln [146208]

[Cup size]
Length: 10.8 cm / Width: 8.5 cm / Height: 7.4 cm
Length: 4.3 in / Width: 3.3 in / Height: 2.9 in
Capacity: 250 ml

[Saucer size]
Width: 15.3 cm
Width: 6 in

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This is a work by Kusuo Baba, the second-generation master of Shinemon Kiln, one of the leading kilns of Arita ware.
Named "Iki," this coffee cup and saucer features a glossy dark brown-black base layered with complex shades of white, blue-purple, and soft crimson, creating an original landscape reminiscent of an abstract painting.

Shinemon Kiln is renowned for its mastery of "Yohen," the art of transforming the colors and patterns of glazes through the unpredictable conditions inside the kiln. This piece was created by Kusuo Baba himself, the second-generation master of the kiln. The expressions produced by the temperature of the flames and the flowing and overlapping glazes are never exactly the same. Even within the bold colors spreading across the surface, subtle variations unique to Yohen can be discovered.

To calm the breath, enrich life, and appreciate "Iki."

This idea lies at the heart of the work. "Iki" is a distinctly Japanese aesthetic concept associated with refined, understated sophistication. Although the piece is visually striking, it also possesses a sense of composure and elegance. Vivid blue-purple and crimson emerge from the deep brown-black surface alongside areas of white porcelain, each color enhancing the others and revealing different expressions depending on the viewing angle. Stripped of anything unnecessary, the piece allows the beauty of the glaze itself to take center stage. By embracing the unpredictable transformations that occur within the kiln and turning them into one-of-a-kind beauty, "Iki" embodies the distinctive artistic sensibility of Shinemon Kiln.

Created by an artist with exceptional mastery of glaze expression, this coffee cup and saucer has a remarkable presence. Pour in your favorite coffee, take a quiet moment for yourself, and enjoy the rich colors and ever-changing landscape of Yohen across the surface.


[Potter Profile]
Kusuo Baba
(The second-generation head of the Sh inemon Kiln)
Member of Nitten / Councilor of the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association / Vice President of the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Association / Director of the Saga Art Association

I create works that inherit the tradition of Arita ware while align ing with contemporary sensibilities. I specialize in the Yohen technique, which skillfully manipulates glazes, add ing an element of serendipity to each piece as it reaches completion, thereby express ing a mystical beauty.

[Kusuo Baba's career is as follows ]
Born in 1952
1976: Jo ined the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Research institute, where he learned the basics of ceramics and began research ing glazes.
1980: Jo ined Maemon Kiln and began creat ing pottery, cont inu ing his research on glazes to this day.
1981: Received strong guidance from Ryuzan Aoki, a recipient of the Order of Culture.
1997: Selected for the Nitten exhibition for "Kyoku Ei." Subsequently, he has been selected 20 times.
2004: Exhibited "Haruka wo N fl ozomu" and "Umibe no Uta" at the Arita Pottery Exhibition in Germany.
2010: Held the "Encounter ing Colors at Ogurayama" exhibition at Jojakkoji Temple in Kyoto.
2014: Appo inted as a judge for the 53rd Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition.
2021: Elected as a councilor of the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association.

[Ma in Awards]
1997: Selected for the Nitten exhibition for "Kyoku Ei."
2000: Awarded the Grand Prize and the 50th Anniversary Special Prize at the Saga Prefecture Exhibition for "Haruka na Sazanami."
2003: Received the Ryuzan Aoki Prize at the 100th Anniversary Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition for "Umibe no Uta."
2005: Received the Contemporary Craft Award at the Contemporary Craft Exhibition for "Reimei-05."
2008: Received the Contemporary Craft Full Member Award at the Contemporary Craft Exhibition for "Kyoku-08(1)."
2011: Received the Director's Award at the 50th Anniversary Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition for "Sazanami no Uta."
2012: Won the Special Prize at the Nitten exhibition for "Haruka na M ine."
2012: Received the Grand Prize and the Ryuzan Aoki Prize at the Contemporary Crafts Kyushu Exhibition for "Sankei."

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