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

A Gold-Decorated Sake Cup (金襴手ぐい呑)

Showa Era (1926-1989)  

About the work

An exquisite kinrande (gold-decorated) porcelain guinomi sake cup by Ono Hakuko, one of Japan’s leading masters of modern Kutani ware. The cup features a radiant geometric design of interlocking diamonds and arabesques, hand-painted in lustrous gold over a brilliant emerald-green enamel ground. Each line is executed with precision, reflecting Ono’s exceptional control of brush and gilding technique.

The interplay of gold and green produces a rich, jewel-like surface that embodies both refinement and opulence, hallmarks of Ono’s celebrated kinrande style. The base bears the artist’s mark and the piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box, cloth, and documentation.

Dimensions

4.6cm(h) x 5.6cm(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.