Narcissus tazetta - botanical illustration

This original botanical illustration portrays Narcissus tazetta, its white flowers with white, delicate petals, adorned with a golden-yellow crown in the centre. Painted blossoms are set alongside pencil studies and subtle washes of black, revealing variations in form, creating a striking dialogue between light and shadow.

Over 1000 years ago, the flower became China's darling, symbolising the Chinese New Year, prosperity and good fortune. It was probably brought and naturalised to China through the Silk Road, from Mediterranean Europe. Their bulbs remain dormant for 9 months each year, to bloom again in late winter to early spring.