Coffee Cup and Saucer Yume | Kusuo Baba's work in Shinemon Kiln [146121]

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

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

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This is a work by Kusuo Baba, the second-generation head of Shinemon Kiln, one of the representative kilns of Arita ware.
Titled “Yume” (“Dream”), it features a glaze of deep black-brown overlaid with red, expressing both passion and hope.

Shinemon Kiln is renowned as a leader in the yohen technique, which requires exceptional mastery in handling glazes. This piece was personally created by the current head of the kiln, Kusuo Baba. Yohen refers to the transformative phenomena that occur inside the kiln, where the colors and patterns of the glaze change unpredictably, revealing the beauty and mystery of nature.

The glaze used here, named Yume (“Dream”), explores subtle variations of color, shade, and luster, resulting in diverse kiln-transformed patterns. Brought to life by an artist who skillfully draws out the full expressive potential of glaze, this coffee cup and saucer radiates elegance. Each time it is held, new and unique scenery emerges, making every use a special experience. With each cup of coffee, one can savor not only the drink but also the ever-changing beauty of the vessel itself.



[Potter Profile]
Kusuo Baba
(The second-generation head of the Shinemon 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 aligning with contemporary sensibilities. I specialize in the Yohen technique, which skillfully manipulates glazes, adding an element of serendipity to each piece as it reaches completion, thereby expressing a mystical beauty.

[Kusuo Baba's career is as follows ]
Born in 1952
1976: Joined the Saga Prefecture Ceramic Research Institute, where he learned the basics of ceramics and began researching glazes.
1980: Joined Maemon Kiln and began creating pottery, continuing 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 Nozomu" and "Umibe no Uta" at the Arita Pottery Exhibition in Germany.
2010: Held the "Encountering Colors at Ogurayama" exhibition at Jojakkoji Temple in Kyoto.
2014: Appointed as a judge for the 53rd Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibition.
2021: Elected as a councilor of the Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Association.

[Main 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 Mine."
2012: Received the Grand Prize and the Ryuzan Aoki Prize at the Contemporary Crafts Kyushu Exhibition for "Sankei."