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

A Gold-Decorated Incense Container (金襴手香合) 

Showa Era (1926-1989) 

About the work

A superb kinrande (gold-decorated) porcelain kogo incense container by Ono Hakuko, celebrated for her luminous use of gold and color in modern Kutani ware. The circular form, gently domed and finely balanced, is decorated with an intricate radiating pattern in burnished gold against a soft yellow glaze. The delicate arabesque scrolls and fan-like design capture the elegance and precision for which Ono’s work is renowned.

The underside bears the artist’s mark and the piece is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box. A refined example of Ono’s mastery, where restrained form and opulent surface harmonize perfectly.

Dimensions

3cm(h) x 7.3cm(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.