Ming dynasty (AD 368-1644)
Length 6 cm, Width 8.5 cm, Weight 83.7 g
Length 5.9 cm, Width 8.8 cm, Weight 81.7 g
Excavated at the Wang Bolu tomb, Xun County, Henan Province, 1985

Both these works are shaped like butterflies. Each comprises three layers. The upper layer of the left hand butterfly is an openworked gold wire petal with an oval ruby inlaid at the centre. The central layer is inlaid with nine rubies and sapphires, encircling the upper layer. The lower layer is an embossed flat butterfly shape, the edges of which are inlaid with four rubies and sapphires, The two antennae are each inlaid with a ruby, while the four rubies inlaid in the head are arranged in a rhomboid shape. The second butterfly features the same design with the positions of the sapphires and rubies inverted. These butterflies are exceptional examples of the techniques including impressing, welding, filigree and inlaying, used to produce a glistening array of colour.