Akio Niisato

Akio Niisato (b. 1977) is a leading ceramicist based in Toki, Japan. Aesthetically simple, Niisato’s tea bowls are intricately decorated with bold, reflective glazes. Niisato’s distinctive style, the ceramic walls are paper thin and have sharp edges. These innovative technical elements have earned him the Grand Prize at Paramita Museum Ceramic Competition in 2008. His work is in collections including the National Museum of Art in Tokyo, Musee Cernuschi in France, London’s Victoria & Albert, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

1977 Born in Chiba, Japan

2001 Diploma, the Tajimi City Ceramic and Design Center

2011 Received a Fellowship of Japanese Government Overseas study program for artist by the Agency of Japan Cultural Affairs. (Boston, USA)

Selected group exhibitions:

2003 The 40th Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition, Aichi 2004 Cool & Light New Spirit in Craft Making at the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

2005 Premio Faenza 55th Editional, Italy (Also in ’07) World Ceramic Biennale 2005, South Korea (Also in ’07)

2010 About the Tea Ceremony – A Viewpoint on Centemporary Kogei at the National

Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo The International Triennale of KOGEI in Kanazawa, 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

2011 The White Time at Mashiko Museum of Ceramic Art / Ceramic Art Messe Mashiko, Tochigi

2013 Master Teabowls of Our Days at Musee Tomo, Tokyo 2016 MADE IN JAPAN Museo Internazionale delle Ceramiche in Faenza, Italy

Selected awards: 2005 Award for the New Artist, Premio Faenza 54th Edition, Italy 2008 Grand Prize, Paramita Museum Ceramic Competition 2009 Incentive Award, Kikuchi Biennale, Tokyo 2014 Award for the New Artist, MOA Mokichi Okada Award, Tokyo

Awards

2005 Award for the New Artist, "Premio Faenza" 54th Edition, Italy

2008 Grand Prize, Paramita Museum Ceramic Competition

Judge's Special Award, International Ceramic Fesitval 08, Gifu

2009 Incentive Award, Kikuchi Biennale, Tokyo

2014 Award for the New Artist, MOA Mokichi Okada Award, Tokyo

2017 Honorable Mention U-50 International Hokuriku Kogei (Artisan Crafts) Awards, Toyama

2020 Japan Ceramic Society Prize

2021 Japan Ceramic Society Prize

Collections:

National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo, Musee Cernuschi (France)

Minneapolis Institute of Art (USA)