Tea Bowl Ginga | Kusuo Baba's work in Shinemon Kiln [146175]

[size]
Width: 12.8 cm / Height: 7.2 cm
Width: 5 in / Height: 2.8 in

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This matcha bowl is a work by Ky?suo Baba, the second-generation master of the Sh inemon Kiln?one of the most prestigious kilns represent ing Arita ware. A true masterpiece, it is designed for use in the Japanese tea ceremony and embodies both tradition and innovation.

The Sh inemon Kiln is renowned for its expertise in the *Y?hen* technique?a method in which glazes undergo natural transformations with in the kiln, result ing in unpredictable and beautiful effects that evoke the mystery of nature. The glaze used in this piece is called *G inga* (“Galaxy”), a unique variation of *Yuteki Tenmoku* (oil-spot glaze) developed exclusively by the Sh inemon Kiln. It was designed to represent the Milky Way as seen across a summer night sky, offer ing a serene atmosphere filled with depth and subtle radiance?much like starlight shimmer ing in darkness.

Through careful manipulation of the size, color, and distribution of the silvery spots, the kiln expresses a wide range of celestial landscapes. Each bowl becomes a microcosm of the galaxy, invit ing the viewer to lose themselves in its quiet, otherworldly beauty.

The rim is elegantly adorned with high-purity gold, add ing a ref ined brilliance that complements the deep, mysterious glaze. This delicate accent enhances the bowl’s presence and creates a sense of graceful sophistication with every use. It is a piece that not only serves its function in the tea ceremony, but also offers a contemplative visual experience?one that l ingers long after the bowl has been set down.


[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."