WILLOW TREE

 

WILLOW TREE
2021. 7. 8. 

In the past, willows were often planted by the river banks and around ponds in Tokyo.  This is to prevent flood damages.  Willows are suited in humid areas and they are deeply rooted holding off the flooding in case of water lever rising.  Willows by the river are some of traditional images of Japan often associated with ghost stories from Edo period.  Maybe from the way the branches are drooping remind us of ghost figures floating in the air.  

Watching the willow leaves sway has always given me somewhat cooling impression.  And we need that as summer is approaching very soon in Tokyo.  

Salicaceae
Sumida River, Chuo-City, Tokyo 

Museum no. 001-0001