Akihiro Nikaido, Tea Bowls

Akihiro Nikaido, born 1977, is a Japanese ceramic artist deeply devoted to the tea ceremony as an aesthetic experience. He was once a salaryman, but he quit his job, ditched his western suit, moved to the famous ceramics town of Mashiko, and devoted himself to traditional Japanese ceramics. Instead of happenings, he works with other traditional Japanese artists and chefs to stage elaborate tea ceremonies. These events are supposed to appeal to all five senses -- hence his tea bowls are all textured, and how they feel in the hand is an important part of their artistry. More at the Cavin-Morris Gallery.