On November 17, 2016, I visited the Baba Katsufumi Pottery Studio, located in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
I finally got to visit the workshop, which I had been wanting to visit for a long time. Mr. Katsufumi Baba and his wife treated me very kindly.
The studio, which was relocated two years ago, now has a gallery attached and is very stylish.
There were also several new products on display that had not yet been posted on the website.
It takes about 20 days to complete one of Baba's pieces. It actually takes longer because of factors such as the timing of putting the pieces in the kiln. The process starts with kneading the clay, shaping it, applying glaze, and then putting it in the kiln and firing it.
The photo above shows a mold for a heat-resistant gratin dish that we also carry in our store. For some pieces, the mold is covered with clay to create the general shape, and then the finish is done by hand. This mold is also handmade by Baba.
The purple vessel is in its state after the glaze has been applied. When this vessel is fired, it turns into heat-resistant (black) vessel. Baba also makes his own original glazes, and the mixture of the glaze changes depending on the type of clay and the piece. He tests and studies over and over again to check for cracks, whether the color changes with temperature, etc., and his current works are the result of repeated research.
I could feel Mr. Baba's passion for pottery in every word he spoke.
This is the kiln. The firing time is about 15 hours.
The workshop was surrounded by nature, with a large park in front of it, a river flowing through it, and a waterwheel turning.
The works of the Baba Katsufumi Pottery Studio were created in a wonderful environment.
Thank you for your precious time. I hope to see you again.
After a polite farewell, Mr. Baba said, "I'm going back to work," and returned to his workshop.
The product purchase page is here ↓
Baba Katsufumi Pottery Studio
