Bell-shaped cup and saucer with two hares and the moon in relief c. 2002

Editor: This is “Bell-shaped cup and saucer with two hares and the moon in relief,” made around 2002 by Masato Imaizumi, using ceramic material. It’s very…quiet. Almost ethereal in its delicate whiteness. What strikes you most when you look at it? Curator: The imagery speaks volumes, even in its minimalist execution. Hares and the moon – instantly connecting to East Asian folklore, particularly the myth of the moon rabbit. Do you see how the hares are rendered? Editor: Yes, nestled closely, almost mirroring each other beneath a stylized moon. Curator: The image carries so much cultural weight. In many Asian traditions, the moon rabbit isn't just an animal, but a symbol of sacrifice, immortality, and even medicine. Consider what the artist might be suggesting by placing this loaded symbol on a humble cup and saucer. Is it everyday magic, maybe? Editor: It does feel special, even…devotional, in a way. Like drinking tea becomes a ritual infused with deeper meaning. So, this imagery isn’t just pretty, it’s a whole story. Curator: Exactly. And it encourages us to consider how cultural memory shapes our everyday objects. Think of all the layered associations triggered by a simple cup of tea. Editor: That's fascinating! It makes me look at ordinary objects so differently, thinking about all the history they carry. Curator: Me too. The enduring power of symbols—connecting us across time and cultures.