Japanese Porcelain Large Box in the Form of a Butterfly

Description

Japanese Imari Porcelain Box in the form of a Butterfly,
Mid-19th Century,

The Japanese porcelain Imari box is molded in … more Japanese Imari Porcelain Box in the form of a Butterfly,
Mid-19th Century,

The Japanese porcelain Imari box is molded in the form of a large butterfly with different bands of Imari colored fabric designs. The finial is in the form of a cicada.

Dimensions: 5 inches high x 7 3/4 inches wide x 6 inches deep

Reference:
(https://www.alphacrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Cicadas-and-Culture-What-the-Insect-Means-to-Japan.pdf)

In Japan, cicadas are the sound of summer. They’re often used in media to indicate the hot, humid Japanese summers, similar to how cherry blossoms represent the beginning of spring. The western equivalent of Japan’s cicadas would be the sound of frogs croaking, a similar trope found in many forms of media.

Cicadas also play an important role in the lives of Japanese children. Insect catching is a common hobby for children. They often catch fireflies, beetles, and of course, cicadas, so their fascination with insects is instilled at a young age.

In Chinese culture, cicadas were long considered a symbol of rebirth. Rebirth is also considered an essential tenet
of Buddhism. Naturally, Japanese Buddhists would have seen the cicada as a constant reminder of rebirth.

(Ref: VM98620-C1) less