Tea Cup by Akihiro Nikaido 二階堂明弘

This tea cup with a red-and-brown exterior and black interior by Akihiro Nikaido is designed to complement his Kyushu teapot, creating a harmonious set for tea rituals. Crafted using yakishime, a high-fired, unglazed technique, the cup highlights the earthy tones of the clay while the black interior adds depth and contrast.

About the artist

Akihiro Nikaido (二階堂 明弘) is a contemporary Japanese ceramicist known for his mastery of form, texture, and natural glazes. Born in 1977 in Sapporo, Japan, he studied ceramics at Bunka Gakuin College of Art and has since developed a distinctive style that emphasizes simplicity, materiality, and quiet elegance.

Many of his works are crafted using yakishime, a high-fired, unglazed technique that highlights the raw beauty of clay and allows each piece to develop character over time. Nikaido often draws inspiration from nature and the life cycle of clay, creating vessels that invite contemplation while remaining highly functional.