Pine Branches and Paper Cranes c. 1821

Niwa Tokei created this print, “Pine Branches and Paper Cranes,” where pine branches and paper cranes populate the composition. The pine tree, a symbol of longevity and steadfastness in Japanese culture, is often associated with the divine and the New Year celebrations, representing hope for a long life. A cluster of origami cranes, symbols of peace, hope, and healing, huddle together in the lower half of the composition. The crane, like the phoenix of the West, is a harbinger of auspicious beginnings in many Eastern traditions, suggesting immortality and a connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. Such birds appear across artworks spanning eras, from ancient Chinese bronzes to modern peace memorials. The act of folding paper cranes—a practice born from ancient traditions—becomes a gesture of hope, a tactile expression of the human desire for healing and harmony. The pine and the crane work together to evoke the hope and promise that spring brings after a long winter.