heath journal

Akio Nukaga

One of the greatest gifts of working in a craft tradition is building relationships with other practitioners and sharing inspiration with one another. Our long friendship with Akio Nukaga has been a great source of creative nourishment—not to mention fun—as we collaborate across geographies and time zones, and with other artists and mediums.

It’s a joy to bring Akio’s work to Heath in solo shows that shine a light on his evolution as an artist. His collections of one-of-a-kind, handmade ceramic vessels showcase his signature pleated technique alongside new approaches, including clay block print patterns and abstract forms inspired by Japanese kokeshi wooden dolls.

Akio lives and works in Kasama, Japan—a city north of Tokyo known for its active community of ceramic artists, and its history of pottery production dating back to the Edo period. Akio’s work reflects traditional Japanese form and technique, but connects as well to a contemporary aesthetic informed by Akio’s own network of creative peers working around the world.

Where I stand today has a different view from last year. It is a slow journey but I’m always going forward... My newer techniques have a more rustic relationship with the clay that communicates my creative expression, and creates a sense of unity with the form of the vessel to make the work sculptural.

Akio Nukaga
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Heath Journal

Behind the scenes, in the studio, at the table, on the road, in the store, back in time—the good stuff we see and do.

Seasonal

Winter 2024: Conjuring Color

Good to Know

Resources for learning more about our dinnerware.

Behind the Scenes

Glaze Variation: Why It Happens, and Why We Love It

Read more: Glaze Variation: Why It Happens, and Why We Love It
Good to Know

Building a Collection for Your Life

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Good to Know

Glaze Finish and Texture

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We're Heath Ceramics

An American company anchored in exceptional products for the way you eat, live, and connect.

Behind the Scenes


Take a peek into our factories, showrooms, and design process.

Behind the Scenes

Mural: Behind the Design

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Behind the Scenes

Glaze Variation: Why It Happens, and Why We Love It

Read More: Glaze Variation: Why It Happens, and Why We Love It
Behind the Scenes

Reintroducing the Chez Panisse Line

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Behind the Scenes

Inside Sausalito

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Tile Inspiration

Checkerboard Modern

A checkerboard bathroom wall makes for a beautiful place to soak, with the warm neutral pairing of Ochre and custom White Pumice 4x4 field tile.

Design: Studio Robert McKinley

Akio Nukaga