Porcelain vase by Kusuo Baba, poems of ripples, Japan

This turquoise and oxblood red porcelain vase is called “Poems of Ripples” and dates from the 1980s.
Kusuo Baba was born on June 19, 1950. After graduating from Sasebo National College of Technology in 1973, he joined the Saga Ceramics Research Institute in 1976. There, he perfected his pottery skills while undertaking in-depth research into enamels, particularly Chinese glazes, a tradition he studied extensively in order to master their subtleties and enrich his own work.
In 1980, Kusuo Baba began working at the Maemon kiln, Arita–Machi (Maemon II), continuing his research while creating pieces that demonstrated his technical mastery and refined aesthetic sense. The following year, he became a founding member of the Kogei Kyushu Association and joined the Japan Academy of Art. His career was strongly influenced by Ryuzan Aoki, a master ceramicist whose influence was felt in the evolution of his work.
His talent was quickly recognized. In 1993, he won second place at the prestigious Kyushu Yamaguchi Ceramics Exhibition for his work "Aizome Waterdrop Large Bowl". He was regularly selected for major exhibitions, such as the 36th Japan Contemporary Art and Crafts Exhibition in 1997, or the 20th Nitten Exhibition, where his work "Kyokuei" received praise from the public and critics.
In 2000, his work was recognized at the 50th anniversary of the Saga Prefecture Exhibition, where he received a special award for his work "Harukana Ren", as well as the Prefectural Governor's Award and the Takeshi Nagatake Prize. In 2004, his creations "Looking Away" and "Poetry by the Sea" were exhibited in Germany, reinforcing his international reputation. Kusuo Baba continued to innovate, notably in 2005, when he won the Contemporary Crafts Prize for his work "Reimei 05". His career has been marked by prestigious awards, including an award at the 47th Japanese Contemporary Crafts Art Exhibition in 2008. In 2010, he was appointed as a judge for the 49th Japan Contemporary Crafts Art Exhibition, thus underlining his status.
Signed and with original signed tomobako.