NichibeiPotters
Announcement
Cheryl and Mikio have been making refined elegant high-fire pottery in Northern California since 1985. Cheryl apprenticed in Japan for 6 years. During that time, she studied at three different potteries, learning the deep traditions of Japanese pottery making from each. In 1982 she and Mikio met on the beach, fell in love, married and returned to California in 1985. Mikio had been a commodities broker in Japan and felt little joy in that field. Not really knowing what he would do in the USA, he and Cheryl spent the summer and what little money they had weatherizing a carport to use as Cheryl's studio and building a kiln on her parents summer home property of the Russian River in Forestville Ca. One day, after they had finished the studio and Cheryl began making pots, Mikio looked over and said to Cheryl “that looks like fun”. Cheryl said "It is!" And so Nichibei Potters was born.
Cheryl taught Mikio the basics of throwing and he was quick to learn. The first carvings began as a way to lighten his beginner pots, and just as Cheryl's had dome in Japan, with practice, his skills developed to the masterful work you see today.
They started selling their first pots at the flea market, then graduated to local craft fairs and them to national shows. For years while they were raising their two children, they focused primarily on wholesale and had over 100 active store accounts across the country. Today, they are able to focus on more and more one-of-a-kind pieces, which is the natural progression, especially in Japanese type potteries.
Together, they grew Nichibei to become a nationally acclaimed pottery studio. Their commitment to form, function, balance and beauty can be seen in each piece that comes from their studio. Gratitude is the best word they can use to describe how they feel having been able to make their living as full-time Studio Potters for the past 37 years. It’s not an easy feat, and Cheryl And Mikio are deeply grateful to their wonderful customers.
Literally, NICHIBEI means J"apan/America", and is pronounced "knee-chi-bay"
Located in Sebastopol Ca since 1995, visitors are always welcome to see the studio and showroom by making an appointment. Please call 707 823-0950. Thank you for reading.
Items
All Items
Reviews
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Jacki on Oct 16, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThis “mug” which is exquisite, fits in my hand so easily, feels wonderful to hold, keeps drinks hot, adds the simple pleasure to soothe, as the world whirls crazily by.
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Nina on Jan 2, 2023
5 out of 5 starsThese bowls were a gift and I absolutely love them. They are even more beautiful than the photo - the glaze is a deeper, more nuanced green. They look lovely on my coffee table and also with food in them.
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M. on Dec 31, 2022
5 out of 5 starsIf you’re looking for the flawless eye candy of gorgeous glaze combinations, a carved surface, and a hand thrown cup that feels fabulously balanced in your hand…..this is the one! NichibeiPotters artistry is awesome!
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M. on Dec 25, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThis smaller cup has a big personality. NichibeiPotters extraordinary artistry is always a treat!
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jackshere on Dec 14, 2022
5 out of 5 starsThe vase is both perfect in height and opening for flowers or vines. The color is typical Craftman's green.( The photo made it more turquoise on my device.) Fits with other pieces I have . I am a longtime shopper at Nichibei, mostly in person. Their ceramics are my favorite for gifting or keeping.
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About NichibeiPotters
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In 1985, Cheryl returned to the US with Mikio to pursue her pottery. Not long after, Mikio joined the business. -
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The studio brimming with pots. -
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Cheryl in action, throwing a large vase on the wheel. -
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A full kiln waiting to fire. -
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Pots drying in the studio before bisque.
What a team, separate, complementary creative, productive Nichibei Potters
The husband and wife team of Cheryl Costantini and Mikio Matsumoto formed Nichibei Potters in 1985. The work blends the elegant tradition of Japanese ceramics with a contemporary flair resulting in an innovative collection of handmade pottery that is unmistakably Nichibei. Literally translated Nichibei means Japan and America
All the pieces made at the Nichibei studio or hand thrown by either Cheryl or Mikio, no molds or slip cast where would ever be found here. The carved work is all handcarved using no stamps of any kind. All the work is functional and it can be used at the same time it is designed to hold it on as a decorative piece. The jade green color of many pieces is unique to Nichibei.
I hope you enjoy your shop and thank you for supporting handmade local makers
Shop members
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Cheryl Costantini and Mikio Matsumoto
Owner
Production partners
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Pastbook
San Francisco, CA
This is a company that put together my images in a book
Shop policies
As a husband and wife team we have been pursuing a common passion to create pots with timeless beauty since 1985. We believe that a good pot must evoke a sense of both strength and grace, and should never go out of style. Classic forms, clean lines and precise throwing are the hallmark of our work.
Though we are a team,we each make our own unique pots, and have subtly different styles. Trained for six years in Japan as a traditional apprentice, Cheryl’s work tends to focuses more on function and elegant forms and reflects the disciplined and fastidious style she learned there. Though born in Japan, Mikio learned his craft in the United States, and his work tends to reflect a freer and more unique exploration of clay. Mikio’s work is best known for it’s intricate carving and constructed forms.
Working side by side for such a long time, it is hard to say who has been the inspiration for whom; I believe it is safe to say we inspire each other.
Cheryl and Mikio
Accepted payment methods
Returns & exchanges
Cancellations
Cancellations: not accepted
Please contact the seller if you have any problems with your order.