beetlewing

thumb|Off-white cotton sheer ground with an embroidered design of a stylized floral spray: The vines are executed in gold foil strips, the small flowers in gilt sequins, and the leaves in beetle elytra. thumb|Sternocera aequisignata แมลงทับ, a beetle used in Thailand for beetlewing decoration thumb|Tamamushi Shrine, [[Horyu-ji, Nara Prefecture, Japan, Asuka Period, decorated with lacquer and oil painting on wood, gilt bronze plaques, and the iridescent wings of jewel beetle (Tamamushi)]] Beetlewing, or beetlewing art, is an ancient craft technique using iridescent beetle wings practiced traditionally in Thailand, Myanmar, India, China, and Japan. Notable beetlewing garments include Lady Curzon's peacock dress (1903) and a costume dress worn by actress Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth, depicted in the painting Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth (1889).

==Tradition== In some of the ancient cultures of Asia, beetlewing pieces commonly were attached as an adornment to paintings, textiles, and jewelry. Different species of metallic wood-boring beetle wings were used depending on the region, but traditionally the most valued were those from beetles belonging to genus Sternocera. Their wings were valued for their beautiful and hardy metallic emerald iridescence. The shiny appearance of beetlewings is long-lasting. They are surprisingly durable if subject to normal nonabusive use.