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

This small, intricately decorated cup, titled "Cup with Butterflies-and-Iris Design and Basketry Exterior," was created by the Japanese artist Zōshuntei Sanpo between 1840 and 1869. The cup is crafted from porcelain and showcases a delicate design of iris flowers and butterflies against a white background, with the exterior featuring a basketry texture. The cup, currently residing in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, exemplifies the artistry of the Edo period, showcasing the detailed craftsmanship and beautiful aesthetic that characterized this era in Japanese art.