Qing Embroidered Butterflies Oblong Scarf

Description

An art-inspired fashion scarf, only at The Met. The delicate embroidered butterflies on our soft wool-and-silk scarf celebrate the ornamentation on a striking silk robe made in the late 19th century during China's Qing dynasty (1644-1911). This woman's garment in The Met collection is exquisitely embroidered with longevity medallions and silk butterflies. Since the Chinese word for "butterfly" is a homonym for "octogenarian," butterflies are also symbols of longevity. These auspicious creatures are likewise associated with weddings, so it's possible that this robe was worn for such a joyous occasion.