Nichibei Potters

CERAMICS

High-Fire elegant functional Japanese inspired ceramics

Studio Number: 99

Wheelchair Accessible? No

Phone: (707) 823-0950

Email Address: potters@nichibeipotters.com

Website: www.nichibeipotters.com

Instagram: nichibeipotters

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Cheryl Costantini and Mikio Matsumoto formed Nichibei Potters in 1985. Since then, their goal has been to produce high-quality elegant functional unique pottery here in Sonoma County. If I asked what inspires them, I believe they would say beauty. I know that sounds like a simple answer but beauty in thrown ceramic form is a difficult thing to achieve. Museums are filled with incredible pots from the past made with such minimal technology that it’s astounding. Their work is inspired by classical forms not only from Japan which forms the basis of both of their backgrounds, but from balance elegance and clean design.

Cheryl made her first pot in the 7th grade and never stopped. After college she traveled to Japan and studied for the next six years, working as a traditional apprentice. There she honed not only her production skills but her eye for seeing and creating shape. Mikio‘s journey with clay began in United States when after marrying Cheryl in Japan, he decided to become a potter. Cheryl taught him the basics, and from there he took off. Mikio is known for his incredibly intricate and carved work. Both of their work can be found in hundreds of private collections across the country, and several permanent museum collections.

Showing at: 1991 Burnside Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472