Naysan McIlhargeuy Yellow Springs OHIO 1
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A STUDY OF JAPANESE CERAMIC HISTORY AND THE INTENTION OF BRINGING OBJECTS OF UNSURPASSED BEAUTY INTO EVERY DAY USE

As told by Naysan McIlhargey, Miami Valley Pottery:
“Last year a 33 year dream was realized. In 1993, I was introduced to the concept of MINGEI and Japanese Arts at Earlham College. I traveled to Japan for the first time last summer and visited the homes of three of the greatest potters of the 20
th Century. I also went to museums, ceramic studios and many of the places considered important to the Mingei movement.

What I came back with was not just 20 pieces of handmade pottery but a burning inspiration that nurtured my creative process and challenged me to make work that is considerably different from what I normally produce.

I decided to make work based on 101 shapes from Japanese ceramic history, with 10 pieces per shape. The 1010 pieces that came out of this Spring firing are but a sliver of what Japan gifted me this past year.”

 

Naysan McIlhargeuy Yellow Springs OHIO
Ceramicist Naysan McIlhargey reflects on how his voice and vision in clay have evolved over time, and discusses the work he’s displayed at The Westcott House. Let's spend some time with Naysan to learn more about the philosophy, and the community, that shapes his craft.

Join Miami Valley Pottery in celebrating the Japanese arts and tradition of Mingei and learn more about a philosophy that guides us to live, on a daily basis, with the cherished handmade beauty of ceramics.

MINGEI by Miami Valley Potter June Yellow Springs Ohio

MINGEI: KILN OPENING POPUP JUNE 1-30, 2026 10AM-5PM

Discover Mingei & meet the ceramicist during the June 2026 downtown pop-up gallery at 254 Xenia Avenue, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
(Corner of Xenia & Short Street – former Hardware Store.)

Which piece will speak to you?