Naoto Tanii
Shigaraki, Japan

B. 1976
CERAMICIST

Naoto Tanii is the eighth generation of ceramic masters in his family residing in Shigaraki, Japan, the renowned ceramics center; the Shigaraki kiln is one of six ancient kilns in Japan, established in the 13th century. Born and raised in Shigaraki, Tanii graduated from Shigaraki Ceramic Research Center and worked at the family kiln, specializing in large throw-wheel pieces. He started his own studio in 2017, and is well-known for his distinctive mix of ceramic and silver. His silver works are fired three times and then polished to completion. The sterling silver applied to his ceramics matures over time, giving his individual, handmade pieces a deep, gleaming resonance.