Beetlewing
Beetlewing, or beetlewing art, is an ancient craft technique using
Tradition
It was common in some of the ancient cultures of Asia to attach beetlewing pieces as an adornment to paintings, textiles and jewelry. Different species of
In Thailand, beetlewings of wood–boring beetles Sternocera spp. (Thai: แมลงทับ), like Sternocera aequisignata,[1] were preferred to decorate clothing (shawls and Sabai cloth) and jewelry in former court circles. The beetles have a short life span of 3 to 4 weeks in their adult stage. To avoid killing the beetles, only those that die of natural causes are collected.[citation needed]
In 19th-century India exquisite masterpieces of embroidered textiles were produced using beetlewing pieces. These cloth items have survived the passage of time without losing their splendor.[2]
In some instances, the beetle wings will retain their natural sparkle, even though the cloth surrounding them may have decayed.[citation needed]
The species of beetle traditionally used in decorative work in Japan is Chrysochroa fulgidissima, known also as Tamamushi.[citation needed]
Survival
In Thailand this ancient tradition has mostly died out. In
Thanks to the encouragement and support of
See also
- Buprestidae (Jewel beetles)
- Beadwork
- Tamamushi