Born into a family of clay craftsmen, he trained at Myosen Pottery Studio, learning molding and casting, and is now one of the most trusted potters in Kutani.
White Craftsmanship
He says that creating shapes from the very simple white design is difficult precisely because of its simplicity. Kenji Nishita is a highly trusted clay maker in Kutani. He uses three types of clay as a clay maker. Kutani, which gives a slightly dark texture and creates Nishita's works as a clay maker, Kyoto Ninsei, which has a yellowish texture, and Kumamoto Amakusa Pottery Stone, which has a warm white porcelain and is produced as an artist. Nishita's works include white porcelain vessels, and each vessel expresses the world of the artist, who has truly confronted the materials and techniques.
White has many stories. It can be elegant, elegant, or simple and tranquil. To make the most of its characteristics, there must be a white space that can only be given to those who are aware of the characteristics of the material and the techniques. Nishita's white porcelain works seem to be filled with color. Although it is a very simple shape, the shadows created within it give it a three-dimensional feel, and the shadows have been calculated to create a three-dimensional effect effectively.
First of all, the white porcelain in Nishita's work as an artist is made not with the clay used in Kutani ware, but with Amakusa pottery stone from Kumamoto, and the oxidation, reduction and kiln temperatures are calculated to create the ideal white color. Kutani materials produce a darker white color with little shadow effect, but the white porcelain formed with Amakusa pottery stone is a warm, pale white, and the gradation of shadows created by the light creates a three-dimensional effect and allows you to enjoy the exquisite changes in the color of the white.
Tea bowls, incense burners, and vases are examples of pieces that allow you to enjoy the subtle changes in white caused by this shading. The unique beauty of white is expressed through curved lines.
On the other hand, geometric pieces such as incense containers are inspired by overseas architecture. By incorporating the sophisticated shapes of modern architecture, an edgy contrast of light and shadow is created, making the piece visually pleasing yet simple and functional. It is as if he is adding an unexpected touch of Kyoto culture to the otherwise monotonous space.
Nishita Kenji is also responsible for the formation of Takeuchi Ruri's works, not just her white porcelain. When it comes to Kutani ware, she creates pieces that are well balanced with the painting so that the glaze stands out. In addition, the shell pail and pine tea bowl exhibited at the Takeuchi/Nishita two-person exhibition in 2024 are earthenware pieces made from Kyoto Ninsei clay. Nishita Kenji has a deep knowledge of white as a base craftsman, which is probably why he has created highly designed pieces that bring out the characteristics of white porcelain.
Kenji Nishita
Biography 1973 Born in the family of a Kutani ware painter in Terai-machi, Ishikawa Prefecture. 1989 Graduated from Ishikawa Prefectural Technical High School, Department of Crafts, Ceramics Course 1992: While studying under his father, Nishita Shinya, he learned porcelain molding at the local Kutani ware Miyama Kiln. 1994: Worked at a porcelain manufacturer (Myosen Pottery) and learned general molding and casting techniques. In 1998, he became independent and established Nishita Seitosho, after which he participated in numerous group exhibitions. 2024 Ruri Takeuchi and Kenji Nishita Two-person Exhibition (Ginza Ippodo)
