Various moths and butterflies 19th century

Various moths and butterflies was made by Kubo Shunman using woodblock print in Japan during the Edo period. Shunman, a prominent artist in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, navigated a society marked by rigid class structures and shifting cultural values. During this time, artistic expression was often intertwined with social commentary. Butterflies and moths, with their delicate beauty and transformative life cycles, held symbolic weight, often representing themes of change, fragility, and the ephemeral nature of life. Shunman's choice to depict these insects could be seen as a reflection on the transient nature of earthly existence, a common theme in Buddhist philosophy which was very influential at the time. In Japanese art, the natural world often serves as a mirror to human emotions and experiences. The intricate details and delicate colors of Shunman's insects invite us to contemplate our place in the world and the interconnectedness of all living things. They encourage us to accept change and embrace beauty as a reminder of life's fleeting moments.