Tray with Design of Butterfly 19th century

This is an elegant tray with butterfly designs by Ikeda Taishin, created during a period of profound social change in Japan. Born in the late Edo period, Taishin lived to see the Meiji Restoration, an era when Japan opened to Western influences while reaffirming its cultural identity. The tray is a testament to Taishin’s mastery of lacquer techniques, with delicate butterfly motifs symbolizing transformation and beauty. Butterflies in Japanese art often represent the souls of the living and the dead, embodying themes of metamorphosis and remembrance. Consider the tray's function within the refined rituals of Japanese life. Was it part of a tea ceremony or used in serving guests? How do these rituals reflect social hierarchies and cultural values? Taishin's work invites us to reflect on the intersection of art, identity, and the intimate moments that shape our lives.