NichibeiPotters

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.