Question

I am wondering if the butterflies represented on this painting correspond to a real species. Do you know if this is the case and if yes, what species they belong to? Or at least, what species could have inspired the author?

I think the flowers that butterflies land on are probably poppies.

The painting is from the book Ehon mushi erami (Picture Book of Crawling Creatures) by Kitagawa Utamaro, a Japanese painter (the book was published in 1788).

Answer 1

Yes, the butterflies represented in the painting from the book Ehon mushi erami by Kitagawa Utamaro correspond to real species, likely swallowtail butterflies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, the butterflies represented in the painting from the book Ehon mushi erami by Kitagawa Utamaro correspond to real species. The species of butterflies in the painting appear to be swallowtail butterflies. Swallowtail butterflies are known for their vibrant colors and distinctive wing shapes. While it is not possible to identify the exact species without more specific information, the inspiration for the butterflies in the painting could have come from various species of swallowtail butterflies found in Japan.