Flourishing Joy - Original

This painting features a large magnolia bloom with butterflies.  In Chinese art, the magnolia represents feminine beauty and Spring while the butterflies represent joy and freedom.  In ancient times, the blooms of the magnolia were so revered that only the emperor was allowed to cultivate them.  
While these elements are often depicted on traditional Chinese vases, here they have taken on a life of their own and are floating in front of the vase.  I feel that Beauty and Joy should not be contained, but set free to flourish.