Generally, when one thinks of bone china, one thinks of propriety…manners…impeccable etiquette. Reiko Kaneko, however, has a quirky, mischievous take on how much humor should be allowed during a proper coffee or tea service, and it shows through loud and clear in his “Lip Tease” and “Drip Tease” collections. Shown above, each piece uses gold or platinum leaf to illustrate faux lipstick stains and coffee/tea spills, giving onlookers perfect cause for a double take and a chuckle.
Kaneko’s other pieces are equally cheeky but a little less tomfoolery-inspired; note his “Heart” saucer series, where the shadow cast from the handle creates a perfect heart shape, and the “Boat” breadbasket, with its rustic rope handle:
Although it’s no longer for sale, his discontinued collection of pet nose holiday ornaments is worth a mention simply for its whimsy alone:
Kaneko’s more recent, equally humorous and artful works are available through his website and various stockists.
Photo credits: Reiko Kaneko
