Ono Hakuko (小野珀子), Japanese, (1925–1996)

A Gold and Silver Decorated Flower Vase

Showa Era (1926-1989) 

About the work

This striking large-scale hanase (flower vase) is the work of Ono Hakuko, a distinguished Japanese ceramic artist celebrated for her mastery of kin-gin sai (gold and silver decoration). Standing 30 cm tall, the vase is finished in a deep vermilion glaze and embellished with shimmering gold and silver overglaze designs of chrysanthemums and foliage cascading across its rounded body. The refined proportions of the elongated neck and full form enhance the elegance of the piece, while the radiant surface decoration exemplifies Hakuko’s ability to merge traditional ornaments with modern sensibility.

The vase is preserved with its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako), stamped seal, protective cloth, and authentication leaflet, confirming its authenticity and provenance.

Dimensions

30cm(h) x 13.5cm(w)

Footnote

Ono Hakuko (1925–1996) was born in Aichi Prefecture, the eldest daughter of Ono Kozan. She worked in her father’s design studio before pursuing her own career, winning major prizes at the Kyushu-Yamaguchi Ceramic Exhibition, the Japan Ceramic Exhibition, and the Japan Kōgei Association West Japan shows. Her works were acquired by the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, as well as museums in New Zealand, Sydney, and Argentina. In 1992, she was recognized as a Holder of Important Intangible Cultural Property of Saga Prefecture, cementing her reputation as a leading figure in Japanese decorative ceramics.