a blue sky. Overall rice paper texture.
In Japanese decorative art, the ginkgo's distinctive fan-shaped leaf has carried symbolism along with its singular beauty: the ginkgo has been a symbol of longevity (the tree can live for a thousand years) and of a more profound endurance (four ginkgos survived the blast at Hiroshima and are still growing today). Considered a living fossil, the ginkgo tree has no known living relatives and has endured for millions of years with little change. In fact, ginkgo is the oldest surviving species of tree known to exist, with a botanical history spanning more than 200 million years. This demonstration of resilience, combined with its antiquity, has granted the tree many symbolic meanings throughout the world. It has become a symbol of strength, hope and peace for many. Butterflies have been on earth since what scientists call the “age of flowering plants,” dating back 135 million years to the Cretacious period, which means they’re as old as some dinosaurs. Because of this, butterflies enjoy a significant place in the ancient folklore and mythology of many cultures around the world. In ancient Greece, the word for butterfly, “psyche,” literally translated means “soul.” Psyche was also the name for the goddess who personified the soul, often depicted with butterfly wings. Native Americans have considered butterflies as symbols of transformation, hope, and rebirth. In Chinese culture, the symbolism of butterflies evokes the qualities of freedom, earthly beauty, love, and the human soul. They have inspired humans for millennia with their delicate nature and the immense power they possess. They’re born as caterpillars, cocoon themselves, and emerge in their true form — but not only can we see the before and after, we can actually see the process happening, and be inspired by it to do the hard work on ourselves, knowing we too can grow and transform.