Qing Embroidered Butterflies Oblong Scarf*The Met Store Clearance

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.