While most classic Bizen ceramics tend to feature dark natural tones in a range of greys, browns, and reddish hues, Baba-san’s intention is quite literally to bring fresh energy into the tradition. Thanks to his experimental approach, new lines have emerged: starting from his Kurobizen (black Bizen) creations, he has also developed his distinctive blue Bizen pieces, achieved with the addition of a touch of cobalt.

A defining feature of his Kurobizen pieces is their metallic appearance, achieved through a thin layer of fine iron-rich slip that vitrifies during wood firing. This technique is known as Imbe-de. The natural ash glaze and the yellowish-brown “goma” ash deposits—resembling sesame seeds (goma)—create additional complex patterns of colour and texture.

Baba Takashi also enjoys thinking beyond traditional boundaries and experimenting with new combinations of different styles. This led to his Shino line: a combination of a feldspar-based, richly flowing glaze on Bizen clay in wood firing. This produces striking effects, such as turquoise “eyes” — vitrified ash glaze that forms glass droplets as it runs downward and is highly prized in Japan. These “eyes” are particularly associated with Shigaraki ceramics.