Nikke Misae is a Kyoto-based artist creating refined, hand-crafted cutlery. Trained in jewelry, she began focusing on creating cutlery four to five years ago. Her work explores form, function, and touch through a slow, hand-driven process.
Her practice is closely tied to everyday life. She wakes early and begins each day with cooking, a quiet ritual that shapes her approach to making. Repetition and routine guide her way of thinking, sculpting objects intended for daily use.
“Because I wake up early and live in an apartment building, I can’t make much noise early in the morning, so my day begins with cooking. That becomes the foundation of my creative designs. I get ideas from everyday life, and because I love cooking, it leads to ideas for cutlery. It’s a time I really value.”
- Misae Nikkei
Walking is another key part of her process. Seasonal plants, small found elements, and changing landscapes become subtle references in her work.
“Every day I take a walk, I get inspiration from nature, from the grass, flowers, and trees that look different throughout the seasons. When I’m not in a hurry I go hike in the mountains or go to the sea to search for materials and inspiration. I love to collect small natural things from my walks like leaves and shells.”
- Misae Nikkei
Each piece is made entirely by hand. The process varies depending on the size and complexity of the piece, from smaller objects formed within an hour to larger pieces that take several days.
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