NichibeiPotters
Sebastopol, California |
Announcement Cheryl and Mikio have been making refined elegant pottery in their Sebastopol studio since 1985. Cheryl apprenticed in Japan for 6 years, met Mikio there, married and returned to California. Mikio had been a commodities broker in Japan and felt little joy in that field. One day, After they had to put a tiny studio in Forestville California, Mikio looked over and said to Cheryl “that looks like fun”. A partnership was born.She taught Mikio the basics and he took off, developing his carving to the mastery you see now. Together, they grew Nichibei to become a nationally acclaimed pottery 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 35 years. It’s not an easy feat, and Cheryl And Mikio are deeply grateful to their wonderful customers
Announcement
Cheryl and Mikio have been making refined elegant pottery in their Sebastopol studio since 1985. Cheryl apprenticed in Japan for 6 years, met Mikio there, married and returned to California. Mikio had been a commodities broker in Japan and felt little joy in that field. One day, After they had to put a tiny studio in Forestville California, Mikio looked over and said to Cheryl “that looks like fun”. A partnership was born.She taught Mikio the basics and he took off, developing his carving to the mastery you see now. Together, they grew Nichibei to become a nationally acclaimed pottery 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 35 years. It’s not an easy feat, and Cheryl And Mikio are deeply grateful to their wonderful customers
Items
Featured items
All Items
Reviews
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Amita on Dec 22, 2020
5 out of 5 starsVery beautiful pattern and shape. The perfect salad bowl. Exactly what I was looking for...
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chinsane on Dec 17, 2020
5 out of 5 starsBeautiful set--just as pictured. Very well wrapped, arrived quickly -- bonus pen included. Thank you!
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Leslie on Dec 8, 2020
5 out of 5 starsI bought these gorgeous bowls in all 3 sizes. The design, the craftsmanship, the subtle colors - all absolutely spectacular. Collectors items, perfect gifts. Will be visiting this site often.
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M. on Nov 5, 2020
5 out of 5 starsSublime! I feel very fortunate to have been able to purchase a second Tenmoku and Mint Car Mug. They are a functional and visual treat. Thank you, NichibeiPotters!
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M. on Oct 29, 2020
5 out of 5 starsThis is such a harmonious combination of glaze colors, and I love the design and shape of this car mug! Thank you, NichibeiPotters, for the quality of your items and for the super quick response to my order!
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Joelle on Jan 20, 2021
5 out of 5 starsReally beautiful teapot. As you can see.
It’s lightweight, with a nice glaze on the outside, and really clever and fun details like the faux-nail look on the outside.
I don’t know much about teapots, but my one issue here is that it has a slow pour. Maybe that’s intentional, but I can be impatient, and sometimes I’ll tilt the teapot forward too much, so that suddenly tea is seeping out from under the lid rather than the spout.
But even if it’s not the fastest pour, it’s exactly what I wanted otherwise. It’s hard to find teapots in this size, and I’m really pleased with this one. A work of art. It really does marry the styles of Japanese and American. -
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Susan on Jan 13, 2021
5 out of 5 starsThis is a beautiful piece. The packaging was great and the shipping fast. The shape of this bowl is stunning. Thanks for offering.
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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A full kiln waiting to fire.
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Cheryl in action, throwing a large vase on the wheel.
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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
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 and exchanges
I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations
Returns and exchange details
If an item arrives damaged, please let me know immediately. All shipments are insured.
Payment
Payment must be received before shipping.
Shipping
We ship UPS to all domestic addresses. Hawaii and Alaska addresses are shipped USPS Priority. All orders are always carefully packaged and insured, however I am not responsible for theft or damage to packages once delivered.
We are happy to upgrade your shipping, should you need your package sooner. The customer is responsible for the extra shipping fees.