"Songbird and Mayfly" Watercolor

In ancient Japan, ink and watercolor were the most common and popular types of paintings (the techniques were offshoots of calligraphy) and are treasured worldwide by connoisseurs. This delicately detailed painting was made in Japan over a century ago. The songbird seems on the verge of flight and so is a momentary visitor to this garden, and the briefly lived mayfly is a perfect symbol of transience and change.