Lucien Levy-Dhurmer 'Papillon' Vase

This “papillon” ceramic depicts a flight of butterflies against a background of stippled metallic glaze that follows the rhythm of its twisted, fluted form. The shimmering metallic glaze surface recalls maki-e—literally “sprinkled pictures”—a Japanese lacquer technique developed over 1,200 years ago. In maki-e, designs are painted with lacquer and then dusted with gold powder before the surface hardens, creating luminous, refined decoration.