Butterflies 19th century

Kubo Shunman's "Butterflies" is a woodblock print from the Edo period in Japan. Butterflies often symbolize transformation and joy in Japanese culture, but in Shunman’s time, the rising merchant class was also transforming the social order. This print reflects the increasing urbanization and commercialization of Japanese society. It was a period when artists catered to the tastes of a broader, less aristocratic audience, and the print market flourished. Shunman's butterflies, rendered in a delicate style, may have been produced for an art-loving public eager for images of natural beauty. They are devoid of direct political messaging, yet they represent a shift away from traditional artistic patronage and subject matter. To fully appreciate this print, one can delve into the socio-economic conditions of Edo-period Japan, exploring the rise of urban culture and the evolving relationship between artists and their audience.