Sadaaki Kido is a contemporary Shino ceramic artist born in Shiga, Japan, a region long associated with refined craftsmanship and deep respect for natural materials. His work explores the expressive possibilities of traditional Shino glazes, emphasizing subtle color shifts, soft textures, and the quiet beauty of imperfection. Drawing inspiration from the landscapes and seasons of his native Shiga, Kido creates vessels and sculptural pieces that invite slow, attentive viewing and tactile engagement.

Balancing tradition with a modern sensibility, Kido’s ceramics often feature restrained forms that highlight the character of the clay and the unpredictable nature of the kiln. Each piece is unique, bearing traces of the firing process and the artist’s hand. Collectors and admirers value his work for its calm presence, understated elegance, and the way it brings a sense of warmth and contemplation into everyday spaces.

[Kido Sadaaki]
　　Born in Daito City in 1941.
　　Became Representative Director of Nakasa Construction Co., Ltd. in 1975.
　　In 1996, he handed over the company to his successor and pursued a career in pottery.
　　　　　　Without a teacher, he forged his own path in pottery, learning from the pioneers of old kilns. He built
　　　　　　a kiln (anagama) in Haizuka, Daito City.
　　In 1997, he founded the Toyu-kai and became its director.
　　In 1998, he was selected for the 23rd Nikkikai Art Association Exhibition.
　　1999: Won the Grand Prix at the 24th Nikkikai Art Association Exhibition.
　　　　　　Built a kiln (anagama kiln) in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture.
　　2000: Won the Mikami Award at the 25th Nikkikai Art Association Exhibition.
　　　　　　Built a kiln (Shino kiln) in Haizuka, Daito City.
　　2001: Held a solo creative exhibition at Kintetsu Department Store.
　　2002: Held a solo exhibition of new works at Hankyu Senri Department Store.
　　　　　　Nikkikai Art Association membership.
　　　　　　27th Nikkikai Art Association Exhibition: Won the Tokyo Governor's Award.
　　2003: Built a kiln (anagama kiln) in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture.
　　2004: Built a kiln (anonymous wood-fired kiln) in Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture.
　　2005: Held a solo exhibition at Dongyu, Seoul.
　　　　　　Held exhibitions each year and won awards at regional art and craft exhibitions.
■Condition:
　　There are no noticeable scratches and the item is in good condition.
■Dimensions:
　　Diameter approximately 12.5 cm, base diameter approximately 7.5 cm, height approximately 9.5 cm.

Born and raised in Shiga, Kido was influenced early on by local pottery traditions and the surrounding lakes and mountains. Over time, he developed a personal approach to Shino that respects classic techniques while experimenting with firing conditions, glaze thickness, and surface treatments. His pieces often reveal layered tones of milky white, soft orange, and smoky gray, capturing a feeling of quiet movement across the surface.

Today, Sadaaki Kido’s work appears in galleries, private collections, and exhibitions dedicated to contemporary Japanese ceramics. Whether presented as tea bowls, plates, or sculptural forms, his creations encourage a mindful connection between object and viewer. Through his Shino ware, Kido continues to honor the heritage of Japanese pottery while contributing a distinct, poetic voice rooted in the landscapes of Shiga.