A FINE LACQUER KISERUZUTSU WITH BUTTERFLIES

A FINE LACQUER KISERUZUTSU WITH BUTTERFLIES

Unsigned
Japan, late 19th century

Of muso-zutsu type, the burgundy-lacquered pipe case carved along the lower section on a stippled ground with a continuous band of various types of butterflies flying in a kaleidoscope, their wings and bodies incised with detailed patterns, enclosed by a cloudlike border. The artist paid special attention to depth and perspective, carving some butterflies smaller and others larger within the rabble of delicate wings. The textured shibuichi rim with a gold looped cord attachment.

LENGTH 20.7 cm

Condition: Very good condition with minor wear and three minuscule touchups to the mid-section.

Butterflies have important meaning to Daoist philosophers as they represent metamorphosis. The noted philosopher Soshi (Zhuangzhi) used butterflies in on of his most famous stories. The story appears at the end of the chapter On the Equality of Things: “Once, Zhuang Zhou dreamed he was a butterfly, a butterfly flitting and fluttering about, happy with himself and doing as he pleased. He didn't know that he was Zhuang Zhou. Suddenly he woke up and there he was, solid and unmistakable Zhuang Zhou. But he didn't know if he was Zhuang Zhou who had dreamt he was a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming that he was Zhuang Zhou. Between Zhuang Zhou and the butterfly there must be some distinction! This is called the Transformation of Things.” (Zhuangzi, chapter 2 [Watson translation])