This is a very rare butterfly. The Blue Birdwing butterfly (O.urvillianus Solomon Is) doesn’t usually have blue bars going across their forewings. This was so rare that I haven’t even seen another one anywhere online. This specimen was provided by the client. He wanted me to created a music box automaton with a specific moth and butterfly. The problem was the butterfly was not only damaged, but it was glued onto foam (see photo 2). Removing it from the foam practically shredded the hindwings (see photo 3). Also I noticed the original antennas were broken but a strange third antennae was badly glued on (see photo 3). It was a pain but I was able to repair the rips in the forewings, piece together the hindwings using spare wings from a butterfly of the same genus but different species. So the wings were similar but not identical. I carefully cut and re-pieced whatever parts that matched. I removed the glue and weird antennas from the head and added a nice new pair. After the repairs I added it to my mechanical apparatus to make it fly again and then adorned it with a stunning aquamarine gemstone and brass filigree (see photo 4). The client was very happy with the finished piece. Next I’ll do a detailed post about the moth. To see this sculpture in action and to hear the music box, see my precious post. #averoseart #bluebirdwingbutterfly #butterflylove #butterflyart #butterflysculpture #movingsculpture #butterflyautomaton #automaton #taxidermyautomaton #musicbox