Koichi Nishi, born in Gifu in 1948, is a Japanese ceramic artist famous for his exquisite Neriage ceramic works. The Neriage technique involves using different coloured clay bodies which are then layered, re-layered, folded, cut and blended to produce interesting surface patterns. Nishi San's work is a world class example of this technique in practice. The delicacy and intricacies of his finished works exhibit a remarkable insight into this method of working and successful practice. How he manages to produce the exactness of his forms is a closely guarded secret.


Selected Exhibitions
1982 Selected for the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition (selected 7 times in total)
1983 Selected fro the Chunichi International Exhibition of Ceramic Arts (selected 5 times in total)
1984 Solo Exhibition, Gallery Moose, Seki City, Gifu
1986 Selected or the International Ceramics Festival Mino (selected 4 times)
1986 Selected for the Japan Traditional Kōgei Exhibition (selected 14 times in total from this year onward)

Awards
1986 The Tokyo Governor Award, Nihon Shin Kogei Exhibition
1987 Asahi Ceramic Art Incentive Award, Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition
1989 Special Award at the Asahi Ceramic Art Exhibition
1989 The Judge's Special Award (selected by Takuo Kato), International Ceramics Festival Mino
2006 Grand Award, Mino Togei Exhibition
2011 Awarded for Achievement of Traditional Culture Inheritance in Gifu Prefecture
2014 Received the 32nd Takuo Award

Public Collection
The Museum of Fine Arts, Gifu
Mino Ceramic Art Museum, Tajimi