Butterflies on Roses

A branch of pink roses and yellow blossoms climbs diagonally across a pale page, with thorny stems and green and olive leaves. A butterfly with dark-striped wings hovers at upper right beside a column of Chinese calligraphy and a small signature. Ink outlines and soft color washes give the flowers a delicate, painted look.

Look closer: A small pale butterfly or blossom sits near the lower center of the branch.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1700–1750

Medium

Polychrome woodblock print; ink and color on paper

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

3400 × 2478 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund