The Met Store Office*Japanese Obi Butterflies Bookmark

East Asian artists through the ages have been inspired by the eye-catching color combinations of butterfly wings to create distinctive abstract compositions. The Met collection includes a brightly patterned obi, or kimono sash, from the mid-20th century. The silk shantung obi is printed with stylized chocho (butterflies), a popular motif associated with springtime in Japanese poetry. Our bookmark design celebrates this elegant obi.