There is something so appealing about this little Camellia. It is growing in a perfect spot in Kew Gardens and seems to have the unselfconscious movements of happiness. Each outstretched branch holds flowers at the end and the leaves have a gentle rhythm.

I used Madder Lake pigment made from the roots of the madder plant (rubia tintorum) for the flowers. This pigment has been used throughout history, starting in Ancient Egypt, to dye textiles.

This banner is painted on handmade Mitsumata paper from Japan which is unbleached and has a beautiful organic colour. The paper allows for smooth flowing brushstrokes and has delicate edges along with the watermarks of the paper makers Su or frame. in the finishing process the paper has been uniformly smoothed and wrinkled in a way that makes the piece look antique.

The banner is suspended from a simple batten and clear thread which can be removed on request if an alternative method of display is desired.