Butterfly and Lily Apron

This apron has a design inspired by the work of Artist Zhang Xuan (713-755). It depicts three groups of ladies pounding, sewing and ironing silk. Two young maids assist the ladies by keeping the charcoal hot and the silk stretched whilst a little girl plays on her own. It is one of Zhang Xuan’s most well-know works and it would make an elegant gift and very tasteful and romantic addition to the kitchen. New & exclusive to JE gallery, bring you the best of oriental art & culture.

This apron is inspired from an ukiyo-e woodblock print by Japanese artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798–1861).  Kuniyoshi was known for his depictions of historical and mythical scenes, the apron featuring a cat impersonating a female kabuki character has struck an octopus on the head with a wooden scoop. It would make a funky gift and fun addition to the kitchen.