Taken from Watercolour illustration by Daniel Mackie printed on High quality Matt paper. Mounted on white acid free conservation board.

This print is available in three sizes, 10 x 8 inches, 11 x 14 inches and 14 x18 inches.

The crane, historically across all cultures is considered a symbol of wisdom. In China, ‘heavenly cranes’ tian-he or ‘blessed cranes’ xian-he, were symbols of wisdom, which carried legendary sages on their backs transporting them between heavenly worlds.

In Japan the crane was known as ‘the bird of happiness’ and was often referred to as ‘Honorable Lord Crane’. An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane.

In Europe Cranes were associated with vigilance and loyalty. Early Christian writers associated the bird’s reputation for vigilance, loyalty and goodness with the virtues of life in the monastery.