Meiji Ceramic Bowl

The outside of the bowl illustrates the Mikado’s birthday outing; he rides in a palanquin (a covered litter carried by four men) with a procession of walking Samurai and guards, their horses with empty saddles, including the emperor's white steed. While the Mikado rides in his palanquin, the others walk as to not look down upon him from their horses.

The palace walls are in the distance, and a trail of flowers are scattered beneath them.

The inside of the bowl is decorated with four thousand minuscule butterflies, barely recognizable with the naked eye.

Photography by Kevin Miyazaki.