Utsuwa by NIGO
A guide to ceramics with NIGO

Learn from NIGO’s own pottery and collection:
the fundamentals of tea bowls, kilns, ceramic artists, and an illustrated guide to masterworks.

NIGO, long known for his wide-ranging interests—from vintage clothing and furniture to toys—has in recent years become deeply devoted to ceramics.
He began practising pottery in earnest in 2015, and while building his collection of celebrated tea bowls, he encountered the businessman and ceramic artist Kawakita Handeishi, often described as “Rosanjin of the East, Handeishi of the West.”

Greatly influenced by Handeishi, who left a significant mark on modern ceramics, NIGO follows in his footsteps—sourcing clay, working at the wheel, and frequently visiting kilns across Japan. From Ido tea bowls to Hagi ware, Karatsu ware, Kiseto, Shino, Iga, and Raku tea bowls, he creates works in a wide variety of styles.

Through NIGO’s own pottery and his collection of outstanding tea bowls from the modern to contemporary era, explore both the fundamentals and the profound depth of the world of ceramics.

NIGO & HANDEISHI
Exploring Handeishi through NIGO’s dual roles
as collector and creator.

Utsuwa by NIGO
Ten years in ceramics—
NIGO’s 25 best tea bowls made at kilns across Japan.

HANDEISHI
Sixteen carefully selected tea bowls by Kawakita Handeishi
from NIGO’s personal collection.

HANDEISHI
Who was Kawakita Handeishi,
the ceramic artist NIGO so deeply admires?

SENKAKU-GAMA
The kiln founded by Handeishi—
now NIGO’s second pottery studio.

STUDY
Understanding the basics of tea bowls.

LEGEND
Masters of modern ceramics
who lived in Handeishi’s time.

MASTER / FAMILY
Living master potters and renowned kilns
that have recently passed to a new generation.

FUSOAN MIWA-GAMA
A visit to the distinguished Miwa kiln,
which also has ties to Handeishi.

CONTEMPORARY
Contemporary ceramic artists
currently drawing NIGO’s attention.

SHIRO TSUJIMURA
Learning from the solitary life and work
of ceramic artist Shiro Tsujimura.

TO SEE MASTERPIECES
Where to see essential works
by the great masters.