Cherry Blossom Tree was created specially for an alternative therapy centre that needed to infuse their office space with a little zen. Along with being a metaphoric representation of life in general, the cherry blossom tree is believed to evoke a positive response in anyone who tries to associate themselves with any aspect of this tree. This design, therefore, delicately captures the essence of the therapy centre.
Hundreds of cherry blossoms were painted white and light pink and then outlined with a fine brush in purple or green. The cloud effect around the petals gives a sense of airiness and delicacy; whereas the empty bird cage refers to a kõan (anecdote) of the zen teacher:
One day, a student of Shunryu Suzuki-Roshi confronted him at Sokoji, in his office, and said, “if you believe in freedom why do you keep your bird locked up in a cage?” Suzuki Roshi went over and opened the door of the cage and the bird flew out of the cage and out of the window. It is said that then Shunryu Suzuki turned to the student and said “That bird is free – you owe me a bird.”
