Incense Burner (kōro) with Design of Grasses, Cherry Blossoms and Butterflies 17th century

Editor: Here we have a 17th-century Japanese incense burner crafted by Hon'ami Kōetsu. It’s made of ceramic, and features a really lovely, somewhat rustic design of grasses, cherry blossoms and butterflies. I'm curious about how the materials influence its meaning. What stands out to you about it? Curator: I’m immediately drawn to the relationship between the high-art aspiration of the floral and butterfly motifs and the, frankly, roughhewn materiality of the ceramic form. The very act of creating something sacred or precious out of clay and fire demands we think about the labour involved. It moves beyond pure aesthetics. Consider also the implied economy - who had access to incense, to tea ceremonies, to spaces of contemplation, and how does that reflect back on the labour that enables these privileges? Editor: So, you are saying it's not just a pretty object? The raw materials and the method of creation communicate class differences in 17th-century Japan? Curator: Exactly. The materiality speaks volumes. Is this a mass produced piece? Were there apprentices? How were the paints made and who extracted those materials? It prompts us to examine the societal structures inherent in the art's production and consumption, bridging a perceived gap between "art" and "craft." We see this tension today! Editor: I see what you mean. Now, thinking about art as part of a larger network makes so much sense! Curator: The beauty lies not only in the finished product but also in the story of its making and its role in a wider social context. Editor: That's such a helpful framework. Thanks for broadening my understanding. Curator: Likewise. Analyzing art through its materials can reveal hidden narratives that deepen our appreciation.