Chocho Ishibumi, Japanese Engraved Stone

Engraved In Japan, engraved stones called Ishibumi (碑) can be found in many places. The text on these stones can be about all kinds of subjects, such as the place where it stands. The main function of these Ishibumi stones is to pass on knowledge to future generations. Because of this, these Ishibumi stones are also known as memorial stones in English.

This particular Ishibumi is adorned with beautiful engravings of butterflies, or Chocho (蝶々) in Japanese. In traditional Japanese folklore, butterflies are known for their connection to the human soul, and they represent both the living and the dead.