Carved Jícara with Monarch Butterflies (2022 Collection)

Delicate yet striking, this spherical Carved Jícara by José Cruz Sánchez transforms a humble gourd into a meditative field of motion and light. Hand-etched with meticulous detail, the surface of the jícara is adorned with radiant monarch butterflies — each wing pattern rendered in vivid yellow and black against a sea of swirling linework. The result is a hypnotic visual rhythm that seems to pulse and shift with every angle. Mounted elegantly on a black stand, this piece invites contemplation of migration, transformation, and fragility — all themes intimately tied to the monarch butterfly and Indigenous symbolism. The craftsmanship, precision, and use of organic material reflect a deep connection to both tradition and natural cycles.