Cup with Butterflies-and-Iris Design and Basketry Exterior 1840 - 1869

Editor: So, this piece is titled *Cup with Butterflies-and-Iris Design and Basketry Exterior* created sometime between 1840 and 1869 by Zōshuntei Sanpo. It combines ceramic and earthenware, with ink and watercolors, which gives it a delicate feel. The rough texture of the cup’s exterior contrasts nicely with the smooth, refined floral illustrations within. How do you read these images? Curator: This cup offers a compelling visual language. The butterflies and iris, potent symbols within Japanese art, carry layers of meaning. The butterfly often represents transformation, joy, and marital bliss. Consider how its presence might allude to a fleeting moment of happiness. Editor: So, they're more than just decoration. What about the iris? Curator: Indeed. The iris, or *shobu*, traditionally symbolizes protection from evil and good health. Given the historical period, the mid-19th century, one might consider what anxieties or desires for well-being were prevalent. Do you see how these motifs work together? Editor: It's like a tiny, personal talisman—protection and happiness held in your hand. Curator: Precisely! The basketry exterior, contrasting with the delicate interior, may speak to the relationship between outward appearances and inner realities, or even rustic simplicity versus refined aesthetics. It prompts us to think: what does one reveal, and what does one conceal? What memories are stored in such intimate objects? Editor: I hadn’t considered how much a simple cup could communicate. I’ll definitely think differently about the symbols on everyday objects from now on. Curator: And that's the power of these pieces. They aren't just functional items. They speak volumes about cultural values and individual aspirations, persisting across generations.