Teapot by Akihiro Nikaido 二階堂明弘

This teapot by Akihiro Nikaido is a rare and remarkable piece—teapots by the artist are seldom encountered. Nikaido is one of the very first artists we began collecting, and his work has remained a cornerstone of our appreciation for contemporary Japanese ceramics.

Born in 1977 in Sapporo, Japan, Nikaido studied ceramics at Bunka Gakuin College of Art and has since become known for his mastery of form, texture, and natural materials. Many of his works, including this teapot, are created using yakishime, a high-fired, unglazed technique that highlights the raw beauty of clay and allows each piece to develop character over time.

The teapot exemplifies Nikaido’s philosophy of combining functional elegance with contemplative design. Its refined form, subtle texture, and understated beauty make it both a practical vessel and a work of art—an exceptional example of Japanese craftsmanship and one of the earliest pieces from an artist we deeply admire.

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.