This tea bowl is a special Iga type of his called "Oni Iga", showing his skill in creating glazes not limited to Shino ware alone, but also Yakishime glazes.

Tsukigata Nahiko (1923-2006), born in Niigata, Japan, was a pioneering ceramic artist and the founder of "Oni" pottery. He is celebrated for revitalizing the Shino tradition within contemporary Mino ceramics. Influenced by Living National Treasure Arakawa Toyozo and deeply inspired by Zen Buddhism, Nahiko established his renowned Daito-bo Studio in Gifu Prefecture in 1974, quickly gaining international acclaim for his unique approach.

Nahiko’s journey into ceramics began after his university studies when he first encountered Arakawa’s pottery. This pivotal moment led him on a path to recreate ancient Momoyama kilns, resulting in two distinctive kiln sites in Ooya, Gifu Prefecture: “The Kiln of Heaven” and “The Kiln of Earth.” Later, he expanded his vision to Gotomaki Pass, where he founded “The Kiln of Heart” and “The Kiln of Man.” These kilns became the birthplace of his signature Onishino glaze, a departure from traditional Shino ware techniques. Characterized by bold molding and thick, dynamic glazes, Onishino embodied Nahiko’s spiritual and artistic ethos.

Known as the “Potter of Flames,” Nahiko’s work went beyond ceramics—he was also a painter, sculptor, calligrapher, and even a musician. His creations are celebrated for their spiritual depth and bold forms, including elements like gold leaf and Rimpa-inspired designs. His inventive spirit also led him to develop additional “Oni” glazes, such as Oni Iga, which further expanded his expressive range.

Throughout his career, Nahiko exhibited in over 200 exhibitions across Japan, as well as international showcases, including the Paris Onishino Exhibitions in 1988-89. These exhibitions earned him widespread admiration and the Paris Grand Art Prize, cementing his reputation in the global ceramics community