Cup and Cover with Floral Design and Basketry Exterior 1840 - 1869

The cup and cover was made by Zōshuntei Sanpo sometime in the late 19th century. Notice the striking contrast between the floral design inside and the basketry pattern outside. The interior bursts with delicate floral motifs, painted in vivid blues, oranges, and greens on a white ground. It is a symphony of color and fluidity, a traditional ornamental display that invites the viewer to consider notions of beauty and refinement. In stark contrast, the exterior presents a rigid, textured pattern mimicking the weave of a basket. The exterior challenges the viewer to reconsider the interior's decorative and aesthetic qualities. The juxtaposition of the floral design and the basket weave challenges fixed meanings and destabilizes any expectation of aesthetic unity. This unique piece invites us to explore the interplay between form and function, ornament and structure, urging us to reconsider the boundaries of art and utility.