Coaster Silver/Black Dragonfly

This black iron coaster with silver highlights has a pattern of dragonflies, called tonbo in Japanese. The dragonfly, an emblem of summer, is a popular motif in Asian art. It is sometimes known as the typhoon-fly, owing to the presence of the insect in large numbers before a storm. The Chinese believe that the insects are excited and impregnated by the wind.

The outline of the single dragonfly's body on these coasters roughly represents the outline of the archipelago of Japan, and at one time, the tombo was the symbol of the country. Tombo are often used in Japanese art and literature, especially haiku. There are over 160 different types of tombo in Japan.

Dimensions: 4-7/8" by 4" width