It was common in some of the ancient cultures of Asia to attach beetlewing pieces as an adornment to paintings, textiles and jewelry.
[citation needed] In 19th-century India exquisite masterpieces of embroidered textiles were produced using beetlewing pieces.
[2] In some instances, the beetle wings will retain their natural sparkle, even though the cloth surrounding them may have decayed.
[citation needed] The species of beetle traditionally used in decorative work in Japan is Chrysochroa fulgidissima, known also as Tamamushi.
In Bangkok, rare pieces of crafts and jewelry made with beetlewing are displayed at the Dusit Palace complex of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), now a museum.